Weimar, Germany; 9 April 2002 (RFE/RL) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder are due to open two days of summit talks today in the eastern German city of Weimar. The two leaders, joined by key cabinet ministers from both sides, are expected to discuss a wide range of bilateral and international issues.
Putin said over the weekend that he hopes to make progress with Schroeder on a deal concerning Moscow's large debt to former East Germany.
The two sides are also expected to discuss the crisis in the Middle East, the situation in Afghanistan, and the U.S.-led war against terrorism, and moves to deepen Russia's involvement with institutions including NATO, the European Union, and the World Trade Organization.
Putin said over the weekend that he hopes to make progress with Schroeder on a deal concerning Moscow's large debt to former East Germany.
The two sides are also expected to discuss the crisis in the Middle East, the situation in Afghanistan, and the U.S.-led war against terrorism, and moves to deepen Russia's involvement with institutions including NATO, the European Union, and the World Trade Organization.