SOCHI, May 18. /TASS/. Germany and Russia should talk to each other, they see eye-to-eye on a number of issues, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Friday at a joint news conference with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Sochi.

"If you want to solve a problem, it is necessary to talk to each other. There are some issues we see eye-to-eye on," she said.

"We have a strategic interest in maintaining relations with Russia," Merkel noted. "I spoke out in favor of continuing dialogue between Russia, the EU and NATO in tough times as well."

"I believe it’s very important to talk to each other," the chancellor concluded. She added that the date for the talks with the Russian president had been well chosen, as it was held "at an important moment."