In the course of a detailed conversation, Mr Putin and Mr Aznar discussed the most topical issues related to the international situation and Russian-Spanish relations.
Mr Putin stated Russia’s position on the United States’ decision to pull out of the ABM Treaty, of which the Spanish Prime Minister took an understanding view.
At Mr Aznar’s request, Mr Putin also outlined Russia’s vision of the situation in Afghanistan and its prospects.
In turn, Mr Aznar informed the Russian President of preparations for an upcoming meeting of EU heads of state and government in Belgium on May 14–15, 2002.
In this connection, Mr Putin and Mr Aznar discussed coordination of Russia’s and the European Union’s efforts during the period of Spain’s rotating EU presidency starting on January 1, 2002.
The conversation took place on the initiative of the Spanish side.