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Russia and France in $10bn deals Russia in European energy pledge
(about 5 hours later)
France and Russia have signed deals in the transport and aviation sectors worth more than $10bn (7.8bn euros). Russian President Vladimir Putin has sought to reassure France and Germany about the security of Europe's energy supplies as winter approaches.
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the development after a summit with his French counterpart, Jacques Chirac. Mr Putin told French President Jacques Chirac and German Chancellor Angela Merkel that energy co-operation was a high priority for his government.
The agreements were signed during a dinner Mr Chirac hosted for Mr Putin. Speaking at summit talks in Paris, he said Russia would fulfil its duties towards its partners in Europe.
The two men then joined German Chancellor Angela Merkel for a three-way informal summit in a chateau in Compiegne, north of Paris. The European Union imports about 30% of its natural gas from Russia.
Concerns were raised at the beginning of the year when Russia temporarily cut supplies to some European customers during a row with Ukraine over prices.
President Chirac and Chancellor Merkel described the talks as productive.
Franco-Russian deals
The three leaders also discussed the situation in the Middle East, including Lebanon, and how best to reduce tensions over Iran's nuclear programme.
The BBC's Clive Myrie in Paris says that on this issue, the three seem in agreement that the threat of sanctions for the moment is not the best way to get Iran to agree to end uranium enrichment.
Ahead of the three-way summit, France and Russia signed deals in the transport and aviation sectors worth more than $10bn (7.8bn euros).
French officials said the Franco-Russian deal comprised of a general co-operation accord between the two countries' ministries in charge of infrastructure, and a memorandum of understanding between Russia and the French company Vinci for the construction of a motorway between Moscow and St Petersburg.French officials said the Franco-Russian deal comprised of a general co-operation accord between the two countries' ministries in charge of infrastructure, and a memorandum of understanding between Russia and the French company Vinci for the construction of a motorway between Moscow and St Petersburg.
Gas imports
At the three-way summit, Mr Putin said industry and energy co-operation with France and Germany were priorities for his government.
The EU imports about 30% of its natural gas requirements from Moscow.
Mr Putin added that Russia was also interested in relationships dealing with advanced technology in "aviation, space, modern infrastructure creation".
The three leaders also discussed the situation in the Middle East, including Lebanon and Iran's nuclear programme.
The BBC's Clive Myrie says the three leaders seem in agreement that the threat of sanctions for the moment is not the best way to get Iran to agree to end uranium enrichment.