MOSCOW, October 8. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroder at his home on his birthday yesterday after learning from media reports that Schroder had arrived in Russia, the Kremlin press service said, releasing photographs of the meeting.

"Yesterday morning, Putin learned from media reports that Gerhard Schroder was in Moscow on business for the Globus company," the press service said. "The president invited his old friend to his home."

Schroder joined the Russian leader for his birthday celebrations. Photographs released by the Kremlin show the two exchanging a firm handshake beside the opening of a traditional Russian stove.

Putin and Schroder developed a close friendship while the latter headed the German government and maintained it after he left office. The Russian leader has repeatedly described the former chancellor as someone he can trust and suggested that he could represent Europe in negotiations to resolve the Ukraine conflict.