The duty of France and Europe, as well as their interest are in dialogue with Russia, former French president Nicolas Sarkozy said commenting on the decision of the Russian president Vladimir Putin not to visit Paris, RFI reported. 

He expressed regret in connection with the policy for Russia. He said that he had disagreements with Putin but he also recognized that the dialogue with Russia was the obligation of France and Europe. Sarkozy noted that it was impossible to change the situation if they communicated only through official communiqué, if they insulted each other and entered into a new cold war.

He said that they should talk to Russia to explain that its position was unacceptable on some issues. Sarkozy noted that reality of diplomatic fight was discussions, searching for mutual understanding adding that cancellation of a visit was a very bad thing.