The meeting discussed prospects for economic cooperation between Russia and Britain.
Trade between the two countries came to $9 billion in 2004 and there is every possibility of developing it further, Mr Putin said at the beginning of the meeting. The President promised to support British entrepreneurs in organising business cooperation with Russia.
Mr Putin and Mr Blair’s meeting with the business community members lasted a lot longer than the one hour initially planned.
See also
Visit to the United Kingdom
October 4 − 5, 2005