Russian President Vladimir Putin and British Prime Minister Tony Blair have met in London for talks focusing on energy issues and the struggle against terrorism.
Russian officials say during the 90 minutes of discussions the two leaders paid special attention to the energy issue, noting that within seven years Britain will become an importer of natural gas and oil.
The Russian officials say both sides expressed readiness to cooperate in efforts to deal with tensions in the Middle East, Central Asia and Afghanistan. They said Mr. Blair stressed the importance of tightening British anti-terrorist legislation.
The meeting came ahead of ceremonies in which Mr. Putin honored the British team that helped rescue seven Russian sailors trapped in a submarine off the coast of Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula last August.
Tuesday, Mr. Putin and European Union leaders held a summit in London.
Some information for this report provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.
