Energy cooperation, the partnership between Russia and the European Union and a number of international issues were among the main subjects on the meeting’s agenda.
Opening the meeting, Mr Putin expressed the hope to see more productive relations take shape between Russia and individual EU member states and with the organisation as a whole during Germany’s presidency of the EU.
The President also noted the positive development of bilateral relations between Russia and Germany over recent years.
Mr Putin and Mrs Merkel held a joint press conference following their talks.
Speaking at a press conference, President Vladimir Putin said that Russia has no intention of breaking off the energy dialogue with the European Union and seeks to establish a clear and transparent set of rules for energy relations.
Mr Putin noted that over recent years, Russia has sought to establish common and transparent conditions for energy sector cooperation and effect a transition to market relations with all of its partners.
The President said that it is also in European consumers’ interest for Russia to base its relations with the countries lying on energy transit routes on clear market rules.