OREANDA-NEWS. March 02, 2010. During the talks considerable attention was paid to foreign policy cooperation between Russia and France. Dmitry Medvedev and Nicolas Sarkozy discussed security issues in Europe, including Russia's initiative concerning a European Security Treaty, the situation surrounding the Iranian nuclear programme, that in Afghanistan, and the situation regarding a Middle Eastern settlement. The parties exchanged views on preparations for forthcoming G8 and G20 summits and on the results of the Copenhagen climate conference. 

After their talks, the following documents were signed in the presence of the two state leaders: a protocol on implementing the readmission agreement between Russia and the EU; a memorandum on additional supplies of natural gas and the Nord Stream project between Gazprom Export and GDF SUEZ; and, a protocol on the acquisition by the company Alstom of 25 percent of the shares of Transmashholding, and technological and industrial cooperation between Alstom, Transmashholding and Russian Railways (RZD).

The state leaders then gave a joint news conference, during which Mr Medvedev stressed the partnership nature of relations between Russia and France.

Dmitry Medvedev expressed his condolences to Nicolas Sarkozy regarding the loss of life caused by the storm Xynthia, and declared Russia's readiness to help France overcome the effects of the disaster.

Dmitry Medvedev has already made two working visits to France: in October 2008 to participate in the first World Policy Conference in Evian, and in November 2008, during the Russia-EU summit held in Nice.