Russia considers France as one of its major partners in Europe and is willing to further develop bilateral dialogue on a pragmatic and equal basis, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday, Sputnik reported.

"I will stress that we consider France as one of Russia's key partners in Europe and seek to develop dialogue with your country on the entire range of issues relating to bilateral and international agenda on a pragmatic and equal basis," Putin said at a meeting of the Franco-Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.