Vladimir Putin was the first Russian leader in the last century and a half to be honoured with a reception at Guildhall on behalf of the City Lord Mayor.
In the square in front of Guildhall the Russian President and his wife were greeted by the Royal Guards of Honour. Vladimir and Lyudmila Putin visited the Guildhall Picture Gallery and left entries in the honoured guests book.
Vladimir Putin and Gavin Arthur, the Lord Mayor of the City, exchanged brief speeches of greetings in the Old Library.
The distinguished guests then proceeded to the Grand Hall to attend a dinner with 750 guests. Among them were members of the Cabinet, lawmakers, prominent churchmen, representatives of the judiciary and the diplomatic corps, military men and influential businessmen.
Addressing the guests at Guildhall Mr Putin emphasized that developing relations with Europe was a priority for Russia.
Of late, the President stressed, the business contacts between the two countries have been progressing very effectively, not least thanks to the political will of the Untied Kingdom, and personally the Queen and the Prime Minister of Great Britain.