Merkel says EU, Russia can become good friends again at any time

BERLIN, September 08 /ITAR-TASS/. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said the European Union and Russia could avoid further estrangement despite their rift over the conflict in Ukraine.

“Russia can become a good partner again at any time. The door for the talks remains open,” Merkel told the Sat1 television channel.

She reiterated her intention to maintain close contact with Russian President Vladimir Putin in order to “preserve [the dialogue] by all means”.