German Chancellor Angela Merkel accompanied by several cabinet members arrived today in the Urals city of Ekaterinburg for top-level talks with Russian leaders, according to dpa. Merkel in remarks previewing the talks with President Dmitry Medvedev, said the meetings come as both sides want to achieve a close partnership. "German-Russian relations are very, very good," she said on her arrival, adding that reliable and friendly ties with Russia were in Germany's interest. Disputes between Germany and Russia were not expected for discussion, Merkel said, although she would be bringing up human rights issues. Parallel to her flight to Russia, German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle flew in separately for talks with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov. After the talks in Russia, Merkel will be heading to China, while Westerwelle is to travel to Uzbekistan.
