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Russia, Germany FMs to discuss bilateral contacts, development of RF-EU relations

MOSCOW, February 14, (ITAR-TASS). The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation and the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) -- Sergei Lavrov and Frank-Walter Steinmeier -- will meet here on Friday to discuss the two countries' bilateral contacts, the development of relations between Russia and the European Union (EU), as well as other matters of international politics.

The two Ministers are expected to devote prime attention to preparation for and definition of contents of regular Russo-German interstate consultations at summit level, due to be held in Germany in spring this year. Priority subjects for discussion during the consultations are as follows: a further development of Russia-EU relations, the advancement of dialogue on visa-free travel, efforts to ensure strategic stability, renewal of the Euro-Atlanticc security architecture, disarmement and nonproliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and counteraction to international terrorism.

The Ministers are also to discuss the state of affairs in the Syrian peace process, Iran's nuclear programme, Afghanistan, and the situation in the Middle East.

"Relations between Russia and the FRG are a major factor in European and world politics," Russia's Foreign Ministry analysts emphasized.

According to the RF Foreign Ministry data, "Bilateral trade turnover grew by 2.1 percent in the January-November period of 2013, as compared with the corresponding period of 2012, to run at $67.8 billion." "The main tasks are visualized to be in giving greater scope to cooperation on innovation projects, assistance in closer co-production arrangements between Russian and German companies, and an active involement of small and medium-sized businesses into the orbit of interaction," Ministry analysts stressed.

Interregional, cultural-and-humanitarian, scientific, educational, and youth exchanges and contact through public organizations are gaining in scope as well," Minsitry analysts added. "A Year of the Russian Language and Literature in Germany and a Year of the German Language and Literature in Russia will be observed in the 2014-'15 period".

Terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall

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