Putin, Sarkozy meet on Iran nuclear issue in Moscow

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Source: CCTV.com | 10-11-2007 10:55

President Nicolas Sarkozy (L) speaks during a news conference as Russia's President Vladimir Putin listens in the Kremlin in Moscow Oct. 10, 2007. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

Russian President Vladimir Putin has held talks with his French counterpart Nicolas Sarkozy in Moscow. The two leaders discussed issues ranging from the economy and investment to Iran's nuclear energy program.

Putin and Sarkozy held official talks in the Kremlin on Wednesday. They both expressed hope to expand bilateral ties, especially in energy.

Sarkozy wants greater access for French firms to Russia's energy sector. And he says France will allow Russian companies to invest in its major assets.

Sarkozy said, "France's policy is transparency and reciprocity. Transparency, because that's the market, reciprocity because it is after all normal for our Russian friends to wish to enter the capital to a certain number of French companies."

On the Iranian nuclear issue, France wants tougher sanctions against Iran, while Russia opposes a hard-line stance.

Putin said, "We do not have proof indicating that Iran is pursuing a nuclear weapons programme. That is why we proceed from an assumption that Iran has no such plans. But we share our partners' concern about making all Iranian programmes absolutely transparent."

Earlier, Sarkozy visited the Moscow Bauman Technical University, where he called for greater cooperation between Russia and France in nuclear energy and space.