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Germany welcomes Russian-Turkish rapprochement — Foreign Ministry

The German Foreign Ministry notes the two countries are important participants of the Syrian peace process

© EPA/MAURIZIO GAMBARINI

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BERLIN, August 8. /TASS/. The German government can only welcome the rapprochement between Ankara and Moscow after Turkey’s downing of a Russian warplane, Zavsan Shebli, a spokesperson for the German Foreign Ministry, told a press briefing on Monday commenting on the upcoming meeting between Russian and Turkish Presidents Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

"We can only welcome this," she said noting difficult situation in the Middle East. "Both Turkey and Russia are important players when it comes to searching for ways of resolving the Syrian crisis," Shebli said.

"We do not think that the rapprochement between Turkey and Russia will impact partnership within NATO. Turkey remains an important partner in NATO," she added.

The ministry does not yet confirm reports that Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier will visit Russia on August 14-15.

"Possibly, but I cannot confirm it at this moment," Shebli said.

Russian media earlier reported that Steinmeier will visit the Urals city of Yekaterinburg on August 14-15.

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