"It reflects the maturity of our bilateral contacts and the overall European situation," he said while at the negotiation table with Jose Luis Zapatero, Spain's Prime Minister.
It was Spain's Defence Minister who brought back the holy relic to Russia, stressed the Premier. Spain deemed it necessary for the cross to return to its place, he said.
The cross was taken off by retreating Spanish soldiers during World War II-the Blue Division was occupying Novgorod in 1942.
A fine piece of late 19th century smith work, the gilded copper cross is more than two metres high and 1.5 metres wide, crowned by a metal dove. The cathedral received it during restoration at the turn of the 20th century, say experts of the Novgorod State Museum-Preserve.
The cross has been preserved in a military academy near Madrid ever since the war.
Though many Spaniards regarded the relic a lawful war trophy, Spain agreed in negotiations to cede it back to Russia.
President Putin thanked Spain's Prime Minister for accepting an invitation to celebrate the 60th V-E Day anniversary in Moscow. "As I see it, the celebrations will be a reconciliatory event to put a final end to problems of the past, remind us of its tragedies, and bring us together in a desire to work for the future," said the President.
He intends to make similar invitations to Russia's many other partners, he added.
The visitor highlighted extraordinary importance of his conference with President Putin today. "That was a first time we met since I was elected Spain's Prime Minister. I find it very positive, rich in content, and extremely useful for further improvement of Russo-Spanish relations."
The talks were so detailed that an ensuing joint news conference had to be put off, he said.
Newsmen were waiting several hours for the summiteers to appear.
