Good relation with Russia are a German interest - Merkel

Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomes German Chancellor Angela Merkel during their meeting in the Black Sea resort of Sochi, Russia May 18, 2018. Sputnik/Mikhail Klimentyev/Kremlin via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY.

SOCHI, Russia (Reuters) - Germany has a strategic interest in good relations with Russia, Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Friday after talks with President Vladimir Putin, adding that this did not go against the continuation of a firm trans-atlantic friendship.

Merkel also said she stressed the need for the continuation of gas transit via Ukraine even after the completion of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, which will circumvent the country.