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Putin hopes Russia and France will be able to get over difficulties in relations

The Russian leader noted that traditional cooperation mechanisms between the two countries are being restored

MOSCOW, July 15. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Sunday he hopes Russia and France will finally be able to get over current difficulties and restore cooperation instruments.

"Gradually, traditional cooperation mechanisms are being restored and it gives us grounds to believe that we will get over all the difficulties we have recently been facing and will embark on a path of positive development of comprehensive ties," Putin said at a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron.

The Russian leader noted that a good impetus to the development of relations between the two countries had been given during the latest St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. Positive dynamics, in his words, are observed in the trade-and-economic sphere, with a 19% growth in trade in the first six months of the current year. He also hailed an upcoming meeting of the inter-parliamentary commission.

Welcoming the French leader, Putin congratulated him on "the holiday entire France celebrated yesterday," on Bastille Day, and on the French national team’s advancing to the FIFA World Cup final. "We will watch the game today in the evening. I am sure the game will be intense, interesting, beautiful and millions of fans all around the world will like it," Putin said.

Macron, on his part, said he had come to Moscow to support his country’s national team during the game. "I would like to give credit to your team which managed to achieve brilliant results advancing that far, despite all the forecasts," he said and congratulated Russia on such perfect organization of the tournament. "Everything was perfect!," he said.

The French leader said he hopes the sides will continue to exchange their views not only on the bilateral agenda but also on the topical international problems, such as Syria.

The French president arrived in the Kremlin in the company of his wife Brigitte Macron. Before the official negotiations Putin has a small talk with the Macrons and presented Brigitte Macron with a big bouquet of pale pink peonies and creamy roses.