Mr Putin and Mr Shevardnadze discussed prospects for a solution to the Georgian-Abkhazian conflict, peacemaking and its problems, and various aspects of Russian-Georgian trade and economic cooperation. In Mr Putin’s view, it was a substantive discussion that helped to clear up several issues.
Mr Shevardnadze thanked President Putin for Russian assistance in restoring gas supplies to Georgia following accidents on the North Caucasus-South Caucasus and Vladikavkaz-Tbilisi gas pipelines.
Before the meeting Mr Putin wished the Georgian President a happy 75th birthday and made him a present of a picture.
See also
Joint Press Opportunity with Georgian President Eduard Shevardnadze
January 28, 2003
Informal CIS Summit. Meeting of the Caucasian Four Leaders
January 28 − 29, 2003