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Putin said in his opening remarks at a meeting with Angela Merkel that Russian-German relations develop in all areas, not just with Germany’s ruling party, but with its opposition political forces as well.

Mrs Merkel said the relationship relies on a solid foundation, in politics as well as in economics.

Putin said developing relations with Russia is as important for Germany as is developing relations with Germany for Russia. This is what they call a national consensus, he noted, adding that Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder had told him something along these lines in a telephone conversation the day before.

Mr Putin and Mrs Merkel also discussed the global events, specifically the activity of the anti-terrorist coalition, problems related to international security, and the relations between NATO and Russia.