OREANDA-NEWS. Russian President Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

On April 22, the press service of the Kremlin reported that one of the main topics was the fight against the coronavirus pandemic. “The importance of close coordination of international efforts in this direction with the active participation of the World Health Organization was emphasized. It was agreed to maintain bilateral contacts between the relevant ministries,” the message says.

Putin and Merkel also discussed the conflict in Ukraine. A positive assessment was given to the exchange of prisoners between Kiev and the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Lugansk people’s republics. “The need for consistent implementation of the Minsk “Package of Measures” and the decisions adopted at the summits in the Normandy format was emphasized. It was noted, in particular, that the Ukrainian authorities must fulfill obligations on the political aspects of the settlement, including legislative securing the special status of Donbass,” the Kremlin noted.

In addition, the politicians touched upon the conflicts in Syria and Libya, as well as the situation on the world oil market.