Mr Putin warmly congratulated Mr Klaus on his inauguration as President of the Czech Republic. The two leaders expressed their intention to begin joint and productive work for the development of relations between Russia and the Czech Republic and to tap the potential of Russian-Czech cooperation in different areas to the full.
They also exchanged opinions on pressing international issues, including the Iraq problem. President Putin confirmed that the goals set by the international community with regard to Iraq should be worked for in accordance with the UN Charter and on the basis of international law and its norms.
The day before, President Putin sent a message to President Klaus congratulating him on his victory in the presidential election.