The head of the Russian Federation centuries Putin had paid my respects with the 60th anniversary of the German Chancellor Angela Merkel and said that he considers it one of the most authoritative European leaders, said the press service of the Kremlin.

" Putin said that he highly appreciates the current trust, companionship, allowing to successfully solve the problems of the development of Russian-German strategic partnership, and I am sure that the high level of cooperation achieved between Russia and Germany, is the common heritage which must be protected. The Russian President also noted that further expansion of mutually advantageous bilateral relations, regardless of the evolving political situation in the interests of the peoples of the two countries ", - stated in the message.

Leaders on Thursday by telephone also discussed some issues of bilateral cooperation, exchanged opinions on the situation in Ukraine.

sections: Politics