22 Jul 2021 10:32

Putin, Merkel express satisfaction with prompt completion of Nord Stream 2 construction in phone call - Kremlin

MOSCOW. July 21 (Interfax) - Russian President Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed satisfaction with the nearing completion of the construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline during a phone call on Wednesday, the Kremlin press service said.

"The leaders are satisfied with the impending completion of the construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline. The Russian president noted the German side's unwavering commitment to the implementation of this project, which is solely commercial and is aimed at strengthening the energy security of Germany and the European Union," the press service said in a statement seen by Interfax.

Merkel informed Putin about the outcomes of the discussion of the situation surrounding the gas pipeline during her recent talks with President of the United States Joe Biden in Washington, D.C. "Vladimir Putin provided relevant comments," the press service said.

According to the press service, Putin once again offered Merkel his condolences on the unprecedented floods in western Germany which caused numerous losses of human lives and large-scale damage. The German chancellor, in turn, expressed hope that Russia would be able to combat forest fires in Yakutia as soon as possible.

The call took place at the initiative of the German side, the press service said.