The fight against terrorism can be effective only with joint effort. That's what Vladimir Putin announced today at the meeting with Marine Le Pen. She's one of the most popular presidential candidates in France. For many years now, Le Pen stands for cooperation with Moscow, revoking the sanctions and recognizing Crimea as a part of Russia. In addition to all these differences from other French candidates, Le Pen demonstrated another one during her visit to Moscow-political courage. Alexey Petrov reports.

This footage will now be discussed all over France. Marine Le Pen is welcomed in Kremlin by Putin. According to the President, this doesn't mean that Russia is trying to influence the French voters.

However, Moscow doesn't intend to stop communicating with the politicians of the Fifth Republic. We highly value our relationship with France. We try to be on equally good terms with the incumbent authorities and the opposition. Of course we're aware of the ongoing election campaign. We, in no way, plan to influence this situation. But we do reserve the right to communicate with all the country's political authorities. Just like our partners in Europe and the USA do. I've always wanted Russia and France to renew their cultural, economic and strategic relationships. It's especially important now, with a serious terrorist threat hanging over us.

A wave of terrorist attacks in Europe and the attack of Russian Troops in the Chechen Republic show the importance of not just talks, but an actual fight against terrorism. After the tragic events in London, today something horrible happened in Russia too. It happened in North Caucasus, in Chechnya. One of the divisions of our Federal Guard Troops was attacked. We all live in this constant danger. We must realize just how great this danger is and unite against it.

Before her meeting with Putin Le Pen went to see the treasures of Kremlin. These rare moments, when this National Front leader is not a politician, but just a tourist. Nowadays, Russian antiquity is exhibited right next to French Gothicism. This is a unique exhibition, the showpieces come from the largest French collections. So beautiful. Masterpieces from the Louvre, the National Library, national French archives all in the heart of Russia. They are like reminders of just how close the cultures of the two countries are and how important it is to value historical ties and to hear each other.

The Russian Parliament that invited Le Pen to Moscow is prepared for such dialogue. Operators and photographers are already prepared. Not just her words, but even her arrival to Moscow is already an international political event. The words of the National Front leader have always annoyed the European officials and it looks like these words won't be an exception. She has a very tight schedule. Here Marine Le Pen is going to the meeting of the international Affairs Committee. And then there's a meeting with the lower house's speaker. I've always been against sanctions, which I see as counter-productive. I hope France can, I can insist on eliminating the blacklists, at least in France. Russia and France are old partners, moreover, we have ancient roots that connect us. And of course it's very important to us to see the relationship evolve.

The topic of the relationship with Russia is the most discussed during the election campaign in France. François Fillon has been repeatedly accused of too-warm of a relationship with Moscow. Emmanuel Macron played the anti-Russia card. During the debates the ex-socialist said it's not a good idea to get close to Russia. In light of these events, Le Pen goes to Moscow, as if openly defying her opponent. She once again proves to her allies and opponents — a special relationship with Russia is not a PR move, it's a long-term strategy dictated by history.