Transcript of the beginning of the meeting:

Jacques Chirac (in Russian): Hello, how are you?

Vladimir Putin: Hi Jacques, it's so good to see you!

Jacques Chirac (as translated): You look good. You look younger each time I see you.

Vladimir Putin: Thanks. I'm so glad to see you, Jacques.

Jacques Chirac: Likewise.

Vladimir Putin: You don't visit us too often these days.

Jacques Chirac: You should invite me more often!

Vladimir Putin: But we do invite you, you just never come. Pretty soon we'll start taking offence.

Jacques Chirac: Before we begin, tomorrow is a national holiday in Russia.

Vladimir Putin: That's right.

Jacques Chirac: I'd like to extend warm wishes to you, your family, and the Russian people on this occasion.

Vladimir Putin: Thank you very much. Russian-French relations are progressing very well. We are building upon all that you've done for our bilateral relations. Our cooperation on the international stage is quite good, and we coordinate our actions on major issues. Our economic ties are also expanding.

Trade between our countries fell somewhat during the global economic crisis. Actually, it dropped significantly - a full 22%. But the first quarter of this year saw a 37% increase. We have every reason to believe that we'll soon return to pre-crisis levels.

Jacques Chirac: Yes, I know.

Vladimir Putin: We won't let you down, Jacques.

Jacques Chirac: I know. I have complete confidence in you. I have always believed in the Russian people.

Vladimir Putin: We are opening an exhibition today - a Russian exhibition. It will include presentations on the economy, science, technology and culture.

The Year of Russia in France and the Year of France in Russia have been very successful. So far, we have held a total of 150 events, and I'm pleased to note that both Russian and French people are getting involved.

You'll be glad to know that Russia has won an auction to acquire a plot of land in the centre of Paris. We plan to build a Russian spiritual and cultural centre there. We announced during the bidding that we intend to coordinate our hiring process with the French authorities. On this point, let me say that the concerns expressed by some in the French media that this centre won't be used for its stated purpose are completely unfounded.

This is yet another mistake some French people are making (laughs).

Jacques Chirac: Never trust reporters! (laughs)

Vladimir Putin: We will coordinate all our appointments with the French authorities, so they will be able to monitor what is going on there. The process will be completely transparent.

Jacques Chirac: I know you are trying to create something that will take into consideration both Russian and French concerns.

Vladimir Putin: I am confident that this centre will provide yet another link, another bridge connecting the Russian and French people spiritually. This is something you promoted as president. We are also grateful to President Nicolas Sarkozy, and we appreciate his support for the project.

Jacques Chirac: The project has his full and unconditional support.

Vladimir Putin: I don't think this project would have happened without his support.

Jacques Chirac: That's true. But this was a very good idea, and so naturally we supported it.

Vladimir Putin: Thank you!

Jacques Chirac (in Russian): Thank you very much!