During their regular exchange of opinions on topical issues concerning their bilateral and international relations, Vladimir Putin and Angela Merkel discussed the situation with regards to the Iranian nuclear problem and the prospects for a settlement in the Middle East. Both parties expressed their satisfaction with the high level of mutual understanding and emphasized that they intend to continue closely coordinating their positions.
Speaking about their bilateral cooperation, both Vladimir Putin and Angela Merkel approved of the work that is being done to prepare for the Russian-German high-level intergovernmental consultations that will take place in April 2006.
The conversation took place at German initiative.