Germany remains one of Russia’s main trade and economic partners in Europe and the world
Russian President Vladimir Putin said this on Friday before talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in the Kremlin.
“I would like to note that the Federal Republic of Germany remains one of our main partners, both in Europe and in the world as a whole. It is among other things due to your efforts during the previous 16 years as Federal Chancellor. In terms of countries, Germany is our second trading and economic partner after China. Despite the fact that in 2020 we had a serious downturn, now we have almost doubled trade turnover in the first six months”, – Putin said.
The Russian president also noted the work of Russian-German bilateral mechanisms, groups and forums, including the Year of Germany in Russia related to economic development.
The Russian leader is convinced that Merkel’s visit to Russia will not just be her farewell as Chancellor, but will be filled with serious, businesslike content. The Russian leader presented Merkel with a bouquet of flowers before the talks began in the Kremlin.
“This is the ‘Year of Germany in Russia’, a year related to economic development. We are in constant telephone contact. We have a lot of issues that require discussion in a personal format, so I am sure that this will not only be a farewell visit related to your decision not to continue being elected as Federal Chancellor, but also a visit filled with serious, businesslike content.”
The protocol part of the conversation was not without complications. While Putin was talking about Russian-German contacts on various fronts, and his words were being translated into German, Merkel’s mobile phone began to beep. She took it out of her pocket and switched something. This did not put a damper on the conversation, the Russian President continued his speech.