Putin hopes Russian-German relations strengthen as result of Steinmeier's Moscow visit
MOSCOW. Oct 25 (Interfax) - Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed hope that his German counterpart Frank-Walter Steinmeier's visit to Moscow will serve to strengthen relations between the two countries.
"I will allow myself to express the hope that your visit will be a good boost to the development of the bilateral relationship and serve the cause of strengthening our inter-state relations," Putin said before starting the talks.
He said that he was glad to continue the dialogue with Steinmeier after their previous meetings, and stressed that the latter was involved "very deeply in all of the processes of the bilateral relations," having held various government posts in Germany.
"You are well informed about all our matters," Putin said.