"We hold regular meetings, our cooperation is developing successfully in many areas including military. Certainly we have not used up the whole potential, there are reserves", said Mr. Ivanov.
According to him, Russia and Germany have established close cooperation in many issues including the issue of counterterrorism in the recent years.
Last year Colorado-Springs (USA) hosted a bilateral meeting of Ivanov and Struck. Discussed during the meeting were the issues of international security, including situation in Iraq, Iran and Afghanistan as well as Russia - NATO - EU relations. Last year Russia and Germany held 12 joint events.
However, according to the Defense Ministry, 2002-2003 witnessed twofold reduction of events, held within the framework of bilateral cooperation due to the lack of funds in the Russian Defense Ministry.
The last meeting of the Russian and German defense ministers took place early in February this year during the 40th International Security Conference in Munich. 15 joint events were planned for 2004.
German Defense Minister Peter Struck arrived in Saint Petersburg on Tuesday and met Sergei Ivanov in private. After a boat voyage along the Neva river and in the Gulf of Finland the ministers will conduct Russian - German negotiations.
As early as on Wednesday the German delegation will leave Russia for Germany.
