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Press statement before the start of a meeting with Federal Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel

President of Russia Dmitry Medvedev: Good evening,

We were just discussing the main news events of the moment. Of course, Greece and Italy are at the top of the headlines, but the third big piece of news today is the opening of the Nord Stream pipeline. I hope there will be more good news of this sort, because we are all weary of the mostly negative trends that have been dominating the political and economic news of late. Today’s event was a welcome and important piece of news for Russia, Germany, and the other countries that took part in inaugurating the first line of the Nord Stream gas pipeline. It is good that we have made our contribution to guaranteeing Europe’s energy security.

Today, I will have the chance to discuss our bilateral relations with Federal Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel.

I met just before with German business community leaders and had a very productive discussion with them. Thankfully, our relations are not confined to oil and gas, but extend across a large number of other projects too. Our bilateral trade this year will come to a record-breaking $70 billion. This is probably the highest level our bilateral trade and economic relations have ever reached in their entire history. This is very good because this means jobs, economic development, and progress in general for our countries. 

Naturally, we will also discuss the international issues of mutual interest, and look at humanitarian ties too.

I am happy that this meeting is taking place as part of this official visit I am making, during which Angela and I have already accomplished a number of important things.

Thank you.