"Despite the fact that we sometimes had some differences — between our countries, when we talked with you, we always managed to find proper compromises," he said speaking of France-Russia relations during his presidency in 2007-2012.
"That’s right, we managed to do many things well," Putin agreed.
Sarkozy said that in order to find compromises, it is necessary to discuss problems and respect and hear each other.
"I don’t want to say that the compromise that we reached was ideal by itself, but we were able to avoid a standoff," he said.
Sarkozy said "the world needs Russia", whereas Russia and Europe "are doomed to work together."
Putin and Sarkozy have had several meetings since the latter’s presidential term ended in 2012.
The first meeting between Putin and Sarkozy took place in June 2007 on the sidelines of a G8 summit in Germany. As French president in 2007-2012, Sarkozy repeatedly visited Russia, including in 2008, when he took an active part in settling the crisis connected with Georgia’s attack on South Ossetia.
Putin also, during Sarkozy’s presidency, made visits to France as Russia’s prime minister.
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