Merkel: Despite disagreements, Moscow and Berlin must talk

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Moscow and Berlin must develop dialogue regardless of “deep disagreements”. She made these statements as she began meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.

This is Merkel's last official visit to Russia, as she will retire from politics next month.

“We have many issues to address at face-to-face meetings”, Putin told Merkel during the start of the meeting.

“I am sure this will not only be a farewell visit, following your decision not to run for Chancellorship, but a visit filled with serious content”, Putin added, referring to elections to be held next month in Germany.

The two leaders have said that at this meeting they will discuss bilateral reports, the COVID-19 pandemic and international issues, such as the situation in Afghanistan and peace talks for Ukraine, the process that has stalled.

After the visit to Russia, Merkel will stay in Ukraine on August 22nd, where she will talk to President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.

Merkel's visit to Moscow is taking place on the first anniversary of the poisoning of the Russian opposition, Alexei Navajo. He is believed to have been poisoned with a nervous agent and for poisoning he has accused the Kremlin.

Currently, Navajo is in prison after being arrested in January after returning from Germany, where he was treated after poisoning.