PARIS, May 29 (RIA Novosti) - France has pledged to work with Russia to ensure the soonest possible launch of talks on a partnership deal between Russia and the European Union, Russia's prime minister said on Thursday.
Vladimir Putin held talks in Paris with his French counterpart, Francois Fillon.
The French premier said he hopes the new Partnership and Cooperation agreement will be signed during France's presidency of the EU, in the second half of 2008.
Fillon also said his country supports Russia's bid to join the World Trade Organization.
"Russia's accession to the WTO is an important factor for enhancing cooperation between our countries, in particular in car and aircraft manufacture," he said.
