French President Hollande on first Russia visit, Syria and Mali talks on agenda

Francois Hollande

flickr-Guiillaume Paumi...

The two leaders are expected to discuss ways to develop further economic ties and patch up differences on certain international issues. 

According to the French ambassador, as revealed at the bilateral consultations on security matters held in Paris on 31 October 2012, the two sides share the same views on foreign policy and security issues. The situation in Mali and whole Africa is also on the agenda of the meeting. 

"We are perhaps one of the few countries that hold such consultations with Russia. We discussed a number of issues and we realized that our positions are the same on almost all problems," Jean de Gliniasty told the press.

However, the two countries are still divided when it comes to the means of managing the Syria conflict.

"Both Russia and France want Syria to remain territorially integral and to maintain the minorities' rights. Our positions coincide on this. The question is what means should be used to attain these goals. And here we have differences," the French ambassador added.

In November, both France and Russia held meetings with Syrian opposition leaders. The French government, together with other Western countries, has supported groups that seek to overthrow Bashar al-Assad's regime. The Russian government at the same time has encouraged moderate groups, which oppose the complete removal of the regime.