The Russian and French presidents, Dmitry Medvedev and Nicholas Sarkozy spoke about "strategic partnership" and "common values" during the state dinner.
Sarkozy and his wife, the former supermodel Carla Bruni-Sarkozy welcomed Medvedev and his wife Svetlana in the Elysee Palace on the last formal event of Dmitry Medvedev's state visit to France which began on Monday.
"I raise my glass to our strategic privileged partnership, to the rise of the great Russian people, to friendship between Russia and France... You know that France is a big friend of Russia," Sarkozy said.
"Today we have special, privileged and close relations with France. Indeed, we have a common approach to current events... We share common values, at least as I see it, and we are open to friendship and cooperation," Medvedev said in his turn.
The visit marks the official start of the Year of Russia in France and France in Russia. Russia's first couple will return home on Wednesday.
PARIS, March 3 (RIA Novosti)
