Vladimir Putin and Leonid Kuchma addressed a joint news conference after the conclusion of Russian-Ukrainian talks.
Mr Putin emphasised the business-like and detailed nature of the talks, which focused on political interaction and economic and defence cooperation. He said the solution of various problems should facilitate an expanded strategic partnership.
Mr Kuchma said that he saw no need to single out specific areas in which to expand strategic partnership because such partnership must develop in every direction.
Mr Putin said the talks had discussed bilateral military-technical cooperation, and that Russia and Ukraine were striving to co-ordinate their work in this field to the greatest possible extent. The sides also examined intra-CIS trade relations and bilateral interaction in the power industry.
After the news conference, Mr Putin and Mr Kuchma went to the Kiev-Pechersk Laura and visited its main building, the Assumption Cathedral.