British Queen Welcomes Putin, Seeks to Soothe Rift with Russia

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Wednesday, June 25, 2003

British Queen Welcomes Putin, Seeks to Soothe Rift with Russia

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Britain's Queen Elizabeth II sought to heal London's rift with Moscow over the war in Iraq as President Vladimir Putin embarked on the first state visit in London by a Russian leader since tsarist times.

At a lavish banquet in honour of Putin at Buckingham Palace, her official residence in the British capital, the queen said it was "no secret that there were significant differences between our two countries earlier this year on how best to handle Iraq."

Moscow along with Paris and Berlin opposed the US-led operation to oust Iraq's Saddam Hussein (news - web sites), while Britain was America's most loyal ally, contributing 45,000 soldiers, sailors and airmen to the campaign.

"But we are now able to look forward together, firmly in agreement on the route we have decided in the United Nations ... as we look ahead, we know that our long-term partnership is of profound importance to both of us," the queen said.

"Mr President, it is I believe a sign of genuine friendship that we are able to have disagreements but remain firm partners.

"My message to you, Mr President, is therefore one of admiration, respect and support," the monarch added.

Over the next four days, Putin and his wife Lyudmila will stay at Buckingham Palace as the personal guests of the queen in a carefully choreographed display of warmer Anglo-Russian relations.

Putin is making the first state visit to Britain by a Russian leader since Queen Victoria welcomed Tsar Alexander II in 1874.

Source: Agencies

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