EPA2576163_ArticoloVatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin yesterday met with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the presidential residence in Sochi.

According to a statement from the Holy See Press Office the meeting lasted for about an hour and was held in a positive, friendly, and respectful atmosphere with an open exchange of views on various themes including international and bilateral relations.

At the end of the talks, the Secretary of State gave President Putin a bronze representation of an olive branch, a symbol of peace.

The Russian President returned the gesture with the gift of a collection of coins dedicated to the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.

Cardinal Parolin was expected to celebrate a private Mass this morning at the Nunciature in Moscow before returning to Rome.

Vatican Radio

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