Russian president to visit Germany

Russian President Vladimir Putin will pay a working visit to Germany on April 7-8 to hold talks with Chancellor Angela Merkel and take part in the opening of the Hannover Messe (Hanover Fair). Putin and Merkel are expected to discuss both international and bilateral issues, according to Russia’s News Agency (RIA Novosti). Russia’s participation in Germany’s annual industrial fair as the main partner country is a key event on the bilateral program of the Year of Russia in Germany and Year of Germany in Russia in 2012-2013. Putin’s visit is expected to promote Russian businesses and regions among strategic investors in Germany and Europe in general. The Russian delegation would comprise the heads of Russia’s largest companies. Russian-German trade in 2012 reached a record $73.9 billion. The countries plan to increase the figure to $100 billion in the near future. Germany is Russia’s third largest trade partner after China and the Netherlands.