The Russian President met with German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder and French President Jacques Chirac. Bilateral relations between Russia and France and Russia and Germany were discussed, along with mutual relations of these three countries as a group, and key international topics.
Vladimir Putin said an important step in coming closer together was the meeting with the hierarchs and clergy of the Russian Orthodox Church abroad. This meeting was another sign that Russia is opening up to the world and become integrated in it, the President said.
The Russian President also visited the American Fire Service Academy.