5 Jun 2014 10:15

Putin hopeful he will preserve confidential relations with French president

SOCHI. June 5 (Interfax) - Russian President Vladimir Putin says he is hopeful he will preserve confidential relations with French President Francois Hollande.

"We have very good interstate relations, but we have much to do yet to promote our economic ties. But our personal relations have always been trust-based, which helps in work as well. I hope it will stay this way," he said in an interview with Radio Europe 1 and TF1 TV channel ahead of a visit to France.

Asked whether he could describe relations with Hollande as confidential, Putin said, "I've always thought so. I see no reasons to think otherwise."