KIEV, August 23 (Itar-Tass) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel arrived in Kiev on a working visit on Saturday.

Merkel and Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko have begun talks, the Ukrainian presidential administration said.

They are expected to give a press conference at about 15:30 Moscow time.

The German chancellor will also meet with Prime Minister Arseny Yatsenyuk.

Poroshenko said Merkel was a good friend and a strong advocate of Ukraine. He noted he talked with Merkel for more than 20 times in the past two months and it helped Ukraine to defend its interests.

He also said it was symbolic that the chancellor visited Kiev on State Flag Day and on the eve of Independence Day of Ukraine.

Poroshenko added the country currently had a very tragic test.

In the focus of the talks will be the situation in eastern Ukraine.