Blair defends 'strong' Putin

This is the fifth time Blair and Putin have met this year

UK Prime Minister Tony Blair has been holding talks in Moscow with Russian President Vladimir Putin on economic co-operation, trade and international security.

President Putin hailed the closeness of Anglo-Russian ties saying, "Our meeting signifies that relations between our two countries have set out on a good course."

"A great deal is still to be done in the economic sphere," he said.

Earlier, Mr Blair dismissed critics of his "special relationship" with President Putin, saying its potential payoff far outweighed the risks.

This was the fifth meeting between the two leaders this year.

Risks worth taking

Mr Putin said great reserves still existed with respect to the development of trade and economic relations.

Blair has a "special relationship" with President Putin

"Our relations have reached a good level," he said as he met Mr Blair for talks in the Kremlin.

Mr Blair, who also held talks with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov, defended his closeness with Mr Putin.

"I know people say that there is a risk in being so close with Russia and with President Putin but I think this is something that is well worth doing," he told reporters shortly before their Kremlin meeting.

To further emphasise the special relations with Mr Blair, President Putin met him at the doorstep of his Kremlin residence on Tuesday and escorted him all the way to the conference room.

The two leaders had on Monday night met at a small beer hall, emphasising the casual relationship between the men.

Leadership

Mr Putin has been attacked by human rights groups over civil liberties and the conflict in Chechnya.

But Mr Blair told reporters travelling with him: "For him to be a strong leader doesn't mean he is a threatening leader, but he does need to be a strong leader to sort his country out."

Mr Blair is also anxious to strengthen his role as a European bridge between Russia and the United States.

One of the most controversial issues on that agenda at present is the prospect of America's 'Son of Star Wars' National Missile Defence system, designed to knock out rogue states' nuclear weapons.

Mr Blair is due to return to London later on Tuesday.