German Chancellor Angela Merkel visit Russia Sunday for talks with President Vladimir Putin expected to focus on European energy security worries, the Middle East.
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Ms. Merkel is expected to raise with Mr. Putin concerns about Europe's dependence on Russian oil and natural gas. Russia has made temporary cuts in supplies to former Soviet republics several times in the last year, which also interrupted deliveries to Europe.
Aides say President Putin and Chancellor Merkel also intend to discuss the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, and Iran's nuclear program.
Ms. Merkel is also expected to try to persuade Mr. Putin to lift a Russian ban on Polish meat imports that has stopped an EU-Russian trade deal from going forward.
The two leaders are meeting at Mr. Putin's residence in the Black Sea resort of Sochi.
Russia and the EU are part of the so-called "Quartet" on Middle East peace, along with the United States and the United Nations.
Germany, along with Britain and France, has been negotiating on behalf of the EU with Iran on its nuclear program. Russia is helping Iran build its reactors.
The United States accuses Iran of trying to develop nuclear weapons, but Tehran says its nuclear ambitions are peaceful.
Some information for this report provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.