( Itar-Tass ) -- France is a major partner of Russia, President Vladimir Putin told his French counterpart Nicolas Sarkozy in Novo-Ogaryovo on Tuesday.
" France was, is and, I hope, will be our key partner in Europe and the world at large. Our relations are developing successfully," Putin said.
Russia and France maintain contacts at a high level, Putin said, recalling the recent meetings of the foreign and economy ministers. "We are glad to welcome the French president to Moscow," he remarked.
"We agreed on this meeting during the G8 summit in Heiligendamm [this June]," Putin said. "I know that you have a busy schedule and I am glad that you have accepted my invitation and come to Russia."