RIA Novosti reports that Russian President Vladimir Putin and Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel are holding talks to discuss key international issues, including the fight against terrorism, the situation in the Middle East and the implementation of the Minsk agreements on the settlement of the Ukrainian crisis.

Merkel also noted that she expects to discuss with Putin also the situation in Libya and the development of bilateral relations between Russia and Germany.

It is reported that the negotiations are held in the state residence of the Russian leader. It is specified that the Russian side is attended by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, presidential aides Yuri Ushakov and Vladislav Surkov, from the German side - adviser on foreign and security policy of the FRG Christoph Heusgen, adviser on financial and economic policy Lars-Hendrik Rohler And European Policy Adviser Uwe Korzepius.