President Vladimir Putin has warned that relations between Russia and the West will not be any simpler under his successor Dmitry Medvedev.
"I do not think our partners will have it easier with Medvedev," Mr Putin was quoted as saying.
The outgoing Russian president made the comments after talks in Moscow with German Chancellor Angela German Minister Calls for Partnership With Russia ...
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Mr Medvedev, who was elected in a landslide victory earlier this month, will take over as president in May.
Course unchanged
Mrs Merkel said that relations with Moscow two countries were always a joy, but "sometimes a challenge".
However, she insisted that despite past tensions there must be co-operation between Moscow and the countries of the European Union:
"Germany and Russia, Europe and Russia, are interdependent. We must find a way to go forward together. There are many things to do," Mrs Merkel said.
Their talks are expected to focus on the issue of Kosovo's independence, energy and Russia's presidential poll, which opposition groups and independent election monitors have said was not a free and fair election.
Later on Saturday Mrs Merkel will become the first Western leader to meet Mr Medvedev since his controversial win.
Mr Medvedev has vowed to continue the course of his predecessor, saying that he hoped to work in an "effective tandem" with Mr Putin as his prime minister.
(BBC)
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