Merkel: contacts between Russia and Germany must be maintained despite the difficulties 
Contacts between Germany and Russia must be maintained despite all the difficulties. Acting Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel said this at the ceremony of presenting the Walter Rathenau medal for achievements in politics, RIA Novosti reports.
According to her, dialogue with Moscow should be conducted, despite the conflict in Donbass and the situation around Crimea that “deeply shook the European order.” At the same time, she called Russia's relations with Germany special.
The politician also added that Berlin and Paris continue to work in the “Normandy format” to fulfill the Minsk agreements.
Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin recalled that before leaving the post of Chancellor of Germany, Merkel had been in this position for 16 years. “It was not my decision, it was hers. She was in power for 16 years. This is decent, “Putin answered when asked whether he regrets leaving his colleague.
Angela Merkel became the first woman in the post of German Chancellor. She has held this position since 2005. In the parliamentary elections held in Germany at the end of September, Merkel refused to run for office.