The Presidents discussed strategic stability issues, the situation in the Middle East and the development of Russia’s long-term strategic cooperation with the European Union. They also touched upon some aspects of bilateral economic relations.
Mr Chirac invited Mr Putin to make a state visit to France next year and the Russian President graciously accepted the invitation. In 2003, the Presidents will also meet at the G8 summit in Evian (France) and at the festivities in St Petersburg devoted to the 300th anniversary of the city.
On the same day, President Chirac completed his two-day working visit to Russia and took a flight from Sochi to Paris.