Russia (bbabo.net), - Vladimir Putin and French President Emmanuel Macron began their conversation by discussing security issues in Europe. On Monday, February 7, the leaders hold talks in the Kremlin.

“What I especially wanted to emphasize: I certainly understand that we have a common concern about what is happening in the field of security in Europe. I want to thank you for the fact that France invariably takes the most active part in the development of fundamental decisions in this area,” Putin said, addressing his French counterpart. Separately, the Russian leader noted the efforts of France and the country's president personally, which are being made to resolve the crisis related to ensuring equal security in Europe and the intra-Ukrainian crisis in the southeast of the country.

Putin stressed that all these issues were discussed with Macron by phone in sufficient detail. “I know that your own thoughts on this matter. I am very glad to have the opportunity to meet and discuss all this in a personal format,” Putin said.

Macron, in turn, said that he hoped to find answers to security issues for the Russian Federation and Europe at this meeting. "I am glad that I will be able to discuss all issues in detail and we will be able to start searching for a collective answer that is useful for Russia and all of Europe. Such an answer will help avoid war and build stability, transparency and trust for all," he said.

Note that Putin and Macron have not met in person for two years, but contacts in various formats have not been interrupted. Separately, the Russian president noted that the volume of trade between the countries, despite the pandemic, has grown.

"If during the pandemic period it fell by 15%, then over the 11 months of last year it grew by more than 70% and reached the pre-pandemic level and slightly, in my opinion, exceeded it," Putin said.

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