Russia has absolutely no intention to influence presidential election in France - Putin at meeting with Le Pen
MOSCOW. March 24 (Interfax) - Russia attaches great importance to relations with France and has absolutely no intention to influence the presidential election in the country, but reserves the right to contact representatives of any political forces, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at a meeting with French presidential candidate Marine Le Pen at the Kremlin on Friday.
"We attach great importance to our relations with France, while trying to maintain smooth relations with members of both the incumbent government and the opposition," Putin said.
The election campaign is now well under way in France, he said.
"We have absolutely no intention to influence the ongoing events, but reserve the right to contact all representatives of all political forces in the country, just as our partners do, for instance, those in Europe and in the United States," Putin said.
"It certainly would be very interesting to exchange opinions on the way our bilateral relations are developing and on the situation emerging in Europe. I know that you represent a rapidly-developing spectrum of European political forces," Putin told Le Pen.
Le Pen said in response that France has deep cultural, economic and strategic relations with Russia. "This meeting is especially important when we are facing such a serious terrorist threat looming over us," she said, thanking Putin for the meeting.
Prior to the meeting, Le Pen, who is visiting Russia at the invitation of Russian parliamentarians, saw an exhibition dedicated to Louis IX of France and the Sainte-Chapelle relics at the Patriarch's Palace.