Russian President Vladimir Putin said at a meeting with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron that Moscow and Paris share common security concerns and thanked Macron for being involved in the issue, RIA Novosti reported.

“What I especially wanted to emphasize, I, of course, understand that we have a common concern about what is happening in the field of security in Europe. And I want to thank you for the fact that France invariably takes the most active part in the development of fundamental decisions in this area “, Putin said.

He said that this has been the case from the very beginning of the latest relations. Putin also drew attention to the symbolism of the meeting exactly today, the day of the 30th anniversary of the fundamental document, the treaty on special relations between Russia and France.

In opening remarks, Macron told his Russian counterpart he hoped the talks would lead to a "useful response" to the standoff over Ukraine.

"A useful response is a response that of course allows us to avoid war and to build bricks of trust, stability, visibility," said the French president.

For his part, Putin acknowledged France's efforts at solving the "security crisis" in Europe.

"I see how much effort the current French leadership is making to resolve the issue of security in Europe, to resolve the crisis in the southeast of Ukraine," the Russian leader said.