Russia-Germany-France troika not closed club: Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said the Russian-German-French troika summits are not a "closed club or counterbalance to relations with other countries."

It is an extension of the general line towards settling crucial international problems and issues in relations between these countries.

"There are many reasons (for cooperation in this format), but in this particular case it is the similarity of approaches to tacking international problems," Putin said.

At their meeting in Sochi earlier on Tuesday the three leaders discussed Russian-French and Russian-German relations, European problems, the prospects of Russia¡¯s relations with the European Union, and "implementation of the strategic policy of creating four common spaces."

Transit cargo traffic to and from Russia¡¯s western-most exclave region of Kaliningrad and trading and economic relations were touched upon.

"Part of the discussion concerned problems of global nature in the sphere of security and the struggle against the threat of international terrorism. The terrorist threat has failed to diminish so far contrary to the efforts exerted," Putin said.

Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder confirmed that "our meetings are not targeted against anybody."

"The benefits of such meetings are great, because the prosperity and well-being of the people of Russia and Europe depends on it," he said.

Source: Itar-Tass