Medvedev In Germany For Merkel Talks

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev were expected to discuss a wide range of issues, including international action over the Iranian nuclear program.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has arrived in Germany for talks with Chancellor Angela Merkel that are expected to touch on a wide range of issues.

Medvedev arrived in Germany on June 4 and met informally with Merkel at the Meseberg Palace guesthouse near Berlin. Reports said the two leaders took a walk in a park and were overheard speaking English together.

In their meetings, the Russian and German sides were expected to discuss international issues -- including proposed new United Nations sanctions against Iran over its nuclear program.

Russia and Germany are among the six powers that have been leading international efforts to persuade Iran to halt uranium enrichment.

The Russian and German leaders were also expected to discuss bilateral ties, as well as Russia's relations with the EU.

Russia and Germany have close economic ties, with trade estimated at nearly 50 billion euros last year.

compiled from agency reports