Putin congratulates Chirac on victory in presidential elections

On Tuesday Vladimir Putin talked to French President Jacques Chirac on the phone. The presidential press service told RIA Novosti that Vladimir Putin had heartily congratulated Jacques Chirac on his victory in the presidential elections. Jacques Chirac thanked him for the congratulations, including the congratulatory message he received shortly after the results of the elections were announced. He also particularly noted that the development of relations with Russia would further stand high on the priority list in France's foreign policy. Vladimir Putin, in turn, expressed confidence that global partnership would be cemented in Russia-France relations. Vladimir Putin and Jacques Chirac exchanged congratulations to Russian and French people on the VE-Day. During the conversation, the heads of state discussed plans for bilateral contacts for a short-term prospect.