Visiting Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Thursday met with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Munich. Analysts believe the summit has deepened the strategic partnership between the two countries in a comprehensive manner.

Bavarian state premier Horst Seehofer, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Russia's President Dmitry Medvedev (L-R) stand in front of traditional dressed Bavarian shooters during a reception at the Munich residence July 16, 2009.Medvedev and Merkel participate in Russian-German high-level consultations, the so called "Petersburg Dialogue".[Xinhuanet.com]

Consensus agreed

During the meeting, Medvedev and Merkel agreed to work together to tackle the global economic downturn, vowing to establish joint business deals. They also expressed unity on international issues like Iranian nuclear issue.

Later in the day, ministers from both countries held the 11th inter-governmental meeting, reaching comprehensive consensus on deepening economic cooperation, combating organized crimes, human trafficking, terrorism and drug trafficking from Afghanistan.

The summit has moved the "special partnership" between Germany and Russia "closer," Alexander Rahr, program director for Russia/Eurasia at the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP), told Xinhua.

Concrete deals sealed

A number of concrete deals were signed during the summit and the inter-governmental meeting.

Merkel expressed her support for a takeover bid for GM's European subsidiary Opel, led by Canadian car parts manufacturer Magna and financed in part by Russian state-owned bank Sherbank.

According to a deal signed Thursday, German industrial giant Siemens is to deliver trains to Russia; in another agreement, Frankfurt Airport's operator Fraport is to participate in the expansion program of Russia's St. Petersburg airport.

In addition, the foundation of a joint energy agency was sealed to boost energy cooperation.

The two leaders also attended the 14th St. Petersburg Dialogue, encouraging communication between civil societies from both countries.

Strategic partnership highlighted

Both Medvedev and Merkel spoke highly of the summit, highlighting the importance of strategic partnership between Germany and Russia.

Medvedev said his visit was fruitful while Merkel said the bilateral cooperation was embodied by "both words and concrete actions."

Merkel said Russia was an important player in resolving international conflicts and global issues. On his part, Medvedev said "anything beneficial to Europe would benefit Russia because we are Europeans."

Economic cooperation is a vital part of the strategic partnership between Germany and Russia.

Germany is one of the most important trading partner of Russia. In recent years, the trade volume between the two countries has enjoyed an annual growth of around 20 percent. In 2008, bilateral trade hit a record 68 billion euros (around 95 billion U.S. dollars) and Russia replaced Poland to become Germany's top trading partner in eastern Europe.

In addition, Germany and Russia complement each other in economic sectors.

Russia is an important energy provider for Germany while the latter provides machinery and chemical products for Russia.

Energy sector is a vital fiscal resource for Russia while German companies invest a lot in and provide advanced technology for Russia's energy sector.

Differences remained

However, both leaders have different positions on NATO's expansion and Nabucco pipeline.

Earlier this week, the European Union (EU), Turkey and Iraq signed an agreement on building the Nabucco gas pipeline, a huge project designed to bypass Russia and reduce Europe's dependence on Russian natural gas.

Merkel said the project complemented the energy supply for Europe, while Medvedev was unhappy with it.

Medvedev told a press conference Thursday that "no one tells him where the gas will come from."

(Xinhua News Agency July 17, 2009)