It is noted that the issues of relations between Russia and the European Union, as well as a number of pressing international problems were considered.
“As Vladimir Putin emphasized, although Russia and the European Union remain very significant partners for each other in the field of trade and investment, nevertheless, the current state of Russian-EU relations cannot be considered satisfactory.
It was noted that returning to cooperation in a pragmatic and respectful manner would meet common interests.
A mutual opinion was expressed on the importance of enhancing interaction in such specific areas as healthcare, the climate agenda, and the resolution of regional conflicts, ”the message says.
The Kremlin said that "the issues of combating the spread of coronavirus infection were raised, including the prospects for certification in the EU of the Russian drug Sputnik V and the provision of conditions for mutual trips of citizens, subject to anti-epidemic restrictions."
It is also reported that "the current situation around Nagorno-Karabakh was discussed, taking into account the importance of further consistent implementation of the statements of the leaders of Russia, Azerbaijan and Armenia of November 9, 2020 and January 11, 2021."
As stated in the Kremlin, “among the priority tasks is the unblocking of economic and transport links in the region, the solution of humanitarian problems of the population.
Charles Michel expressed support for the work carried out, including through the co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group (Russia, USA, France). "
“In connection with the additional measures of sanctions pressure on Belarus taken by the European Union, Vladimir Putin stressed the counterproductiveness of this approach, as well as any attempts to interfere in the internal affairs of this sovereign state in general. During the exchange of views on the intra-Ukrainian crisis, it was stated on both sides that the 2015 Minsk "Package of Measures" remains the uncontested basis for settlement. The Russian President emphasized the need for the Kiev authorities to strictly implement all the previously reached agreements, primarily on establishing a direct dialogue with Donetsk and Lugansk and legalizing the special status of Donbass, "the Kremlin press service said.
In addition, Putin and Michel "spoke in favor of further assistance in the advancement of the political process and support for the established authorities during the transition period."
Michel previously announced a telephone conversation with Putin, during which the fight against the coronavirus pandemic and the availability of vaccines against COVID-19 were discussed.