Russian President Vladimir Putin met ex-US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger in the Kremlin on Saturday [12 February]. The Russian head of state suggested they should discuss the international situation and the United States.
"You and I met a year ago, when we had quite a substantial discussion. I remember it well. Virtually everything you said then has come true, both as regards the key points of the international situation and as regards the political situation inside the USA," Putin noted. He recalled that their meeting had preceded the US election campaign.
"So we would be very interested in a discussion on the current state of affairs. And, in general, it's simply interesting to talk to you," the Russian president said.
For his part, Henry Kissinger said: "It is always of interest to me to visit your country, which is key to the future of the world and peace on earth."
"I am a good friend of President Bush and resolutely support his foreign policy. I know what great importance he attaches to relations with you personally and to relations between the USA and Russia," he noted.
"We have the same friends," the president smiled.

Source: RIA news agency, Moscow
BBC Monitoring