Merkel wishes to discuss a lot with Putin although time is limited
MOSCOW. Nov 16 (Interfax) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel believes Russian President Vladimir Putin and she will have little time to discuss the entire range of issues, from international to bilateral, at interstate consultations.
The summit consultations have begun at the Kremlin.
"I think we have had a good start of our joint work today. I am pleased that the St. Petersburg Dialogue is developing and this development is successful," Putin said at the beginning of the meeting.
Before the interstate consultations, Putin and Merkel attended the final meeting of the St. Petersburg Dialogue forum.
"Interstate consultations are rewarding. I am glad I have this opportunity to speak with you and German colleagues about the whole range of our relations," Putin said.
In his words, Russia is generally satisfied with its relations with Germany although certain issues require special attention.
Merkel thanked the president for the meeting and the possibility to carry on interstate consultations.
"We will discuss the entire range of issues, such as economic relations, scientific contacts, international affairs and humanitarian relations. We may even not have enough time because we have to discuss a lot of international and bilateral problems," she said.
Merkel said that Germany and Russia had strategic partnership, which needed to be developed.
