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Tuesday, 09 February, 2010
13:39 GMT 16:39 Moscow
Local Time: 16:39

25 Dec 2006

Russia's G8 presidency event of the year – Foreign Ministry

24 Dec 2006

Russia to focus on hydropower and nuclear power generation – presidential aide

21 Dec 2006

Germany ready to take over G8 presidency from Russia – German Foreign Minister

20 Dec 2006

Implementation of Russian and U.S. presidents’ initiatives a foreign policy priority for Russia in 2007 – foreign minister

Germany ready to take over G8 presidency from Russia – German Foreign Minister

December 21

Germany is ready to take over the presidency of the G8 from Russia on January 1, 2007. "I have come here to take the baton of the G8 presidency," German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said at a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The minister thanked Russia for the warm welcome he was given in Moscow during the Christmas and New Year season.

When speaking about his consultations with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Steinmeier said the issues they discussed did not suit the holiday mood. "However, there are several international crises we should work on now and next year," the minister said, referring to Iran and the Middle East.

Steinmeier also said that in 2007 Germany would preside not only over the G8 but also over the European Union in the first half of the year.

"It is only 10 days before Germany takes over the presidency of the G8 and the EU, and I would like to use this opportunity to put forth our goals and objectives," the minister said.

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