The talks of Russian President Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Angela Merkel has proved the willingness of the countries to cooperate, despite the remaining differences on foreign policy issues, said member of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs Sergey Zheleznyak.
Leaders discussed Ukraine, Syria and Iran, the current state of bilateral relations and the importance of developing a dialogue on all aspects, spoke about the economic importance of the Nord Stream-2 and the expediency of gas transit through Ukraine.
“The meeting of Russian President Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Angela Merkel has proved the willingness of our states to cooperate, despite the persistence of a number of disagreements on foreign policy issues … The meeting demonstrated understanding of the leading European country that there is no alternative to a dialogue with Russia in solving key international problems and resolving global and regional challenges,” – said Sergey Zheleznyak.
“Many important bilateral and international issues were raised at the meeting, it shows that our countries have a great potential for cooperation.The tone of the dialogue gives a positive signal to the world community, shows an example of a pragmatic policy aimed at protecting national interests with respect for sovereignty of partners, “the deputy added.
On the eve of the meeting Merkel said that number of common problems from Ukraine and Syria to economic cooperation justifies a permanent dialogue with Russia. She stressed that Berlin wanted good relations with Moscow, the meeting would be of a working nature and “no special results should be expected of it.”