Former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan said at a meeting with the head of the state Vladimir Putin became convinced of the readiness of the Russian leader to the mutual work with the US and the EU.

yesterday was soveshenee " Group of elders ", comprising 12 independent persons international level, with President Putin. Former UN Secretary-General heading the delegation.

"we had a very Frank exchange of views on the problems in Ukraine, we spoke about the middle East and Iraq, the spread of terrorism, about the necessity of cooperating to restrain him. It is important that I left the meeting convinced that he (Putin) wants to work with others, with the European Union, the United States, other countries, to try to make a better world in which we live, " said Annan in conversation Fins and television news channel.

Former UN Secretary-General drew attention to the importance of cooperation between countries to tackle global issues.

"in today's interdependent world, no country can develop alone, no matter how powerful it may be. One must interact with others to provide peace and security for their country, " said Annan.

The group of elders was established in 2007 on the initiative of the first African American President of South Africa Nelson Mandela.

in addition to Annan in the delegation included the former President of Finland Martti Ahtisaari, Former foreign Minister of Algeria Lakhdar Brahimi, Former Prime Minister of Norway Gro Harlem Brundtland, former presidents of the United States and Mexico Jimmy Carter and Ernesto Zedillo.

sections: Politics