(Al Jazeera) German Chancellor Angela Merkel is in Moscow for talks with President Vladimir Putin, her final official trip to Russia as she prepares to step down next month after nearly 16 years.
Afghanistan is anticipated to dominate the pair’s discussions on Friday, as well as issues the pair are at odds over, including Russia’s treatment of Kremlin critic Alexey Navalny, Belarus and alleged cyberattacks.
Merkel and Putin, who has been in power for more than 20 years, have managed to maintain a line of communication over the years despite their many political differences.
The 67-year-old is readying to bow out of politics after Germany’s election, scheduled for September 26.