OREANDA-NEWS. March 02, 2010. France is one of Russia's priority business partners, Dmitry Medvedev said at a meeting at the headquarters of the Movement of French Enterprises (MEDEF).

The President highly praised the current level of Russian-French economic cooperation, particularly in the gas sector, and noted the active participation of French companies in Nord Stream and South Stream projects.

Dmitry Medvedev expressed the hope that his visit, along with the Year of Russia in France and the Year of France in Russia, will contribute to further enhancing bilateral trade relations.

Mr Medvedev said that he had discussed the initiative Partnership for Modernisation of Russia with President Sarkozy. According to Dmitry Medvedev, this project will help Russia's economy overcome its status as a resource-dependent economy and adapt more swiftly to today's conditions.