(16 Jan 2003)
1. Russian president Vladimir Putin greets French writer Maurice Druon
2. SOUNDBITE (Russian) Vladimir Putin, Russian president:
"You are very well known in Russia. Hundreds, thousands, even millions of the people from the Soviet Union and from Russia learned about middle ages and modern France from your works."
3. Cutaway media
4. Druon presents first "non-pirate" Russian edition of his books to Putin
5. Close up hands with books
6. Putin, Druon sit down
7. SOUNDBITE (French) Maurice Druon, French writer:
"There is a cultural base in all politics. When Russia and France understand each other well, then there is peace in Europe and stability in the world."
8. Putin presents books to Druon
STORYLINE:
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday met with best-selling French writer, Maurice Druon.
Putin said that Druon is well known in Russia and thanks to his books many Soviets and Russians learned about France.
In return, Druon said that relations between Russia and France play an important role in world stability.
The main topic of the discussion was the development of cultural links between Russia and France. The writer called for stepping up the study of the Russian language in his country and French in Russia.
During the Soviet times, Druon's books were not allowed to be published, however they were read illegally by millions.
During his current visit, Druon will attend the presentation of the first "non-pirate" edition of his works in Russia.
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