French President Jacques Chirac said on Friday France backs Russian President Vladimir Putin in his reform effort.

"The construction of the densest and most attractive ties of neighborhood should be actively continued with Russia, with which we stick up a strategic partnership," Chirac told French envoys around the world who gathered in Paris for annual conference.

"France supports President Putin in his reform efforts and his will to root a strong Russia in the democratic camp," he noted.

Chirac said he and Germany Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder will meet Vladimir Putin on Monday and Tuesday in Sotchi, Russian Black Sea resort.

Source: Xinhua