Vladimir Putin Says He Would Like To Visit American Cities Of Moscow And St. Petersburg

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said he would love to visit the American cities of Moscow and St. Petersburg. He was speaking in a live interview on National Public Radio. One of the listeners, a woman from Moscow, Idaho, invited the Russian president to visit "American Moscow." "I am very touched by your invitation," Vladimir Putin answered, adding that he would also like to visit St. Petersburg, Florida, as he was born in Russia's St. Petersburg. According to the Russian president, he "absolutely" agrees with the listener that Russians and Americans should meet more. Russia and the United States "will have real, friendly relations" if they are maintained at the level of direct contacts between citizens of the two countries, Putin said. In conclusion, the president thanked Americans for the warm, cordial welcome extended to him in Washington and Texas during his visit to the U.S.A.