Russia: Putin meets Steinmeier to talk Brussels, Syria and Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin met with German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Moscow, Wednesday, to discuss bilateral relations, the attacks on Brussels and the conflicts in Syria and Ukraine.
Addressing Tuesday's deadly attacks in Brussels, Putin said: "Our meeting takes place with the terrible, tragic events in Belgium in the background," before adding: "I would like to note that, despite all the difficulties that we face, the work of the foreign ministries of both our countries is quite energetic."
In response, Steinmeier said: "The attacks in Belgium yesterday reflect a state of the world that is full of conflicts and crises especially in the Middle East. I am glad that we had the possibility in the past months to discuss ways to solutions, especially regarding Syria, and we have made several steps of progress, perhaps in the past two, three months."
"In the field of the fight against terrorism, it is noticeable that we must combine our powers to prevent these dangers that affect all of us," he added.
At least 31 people were killed and more than 250 injured in bomb attacks carried out on Brussels international airport and the Maelbeek metro station. The attacks occurred just four days after Salah Abdeslam, a suspect in November's Paris attacks, was captured by Belgian police in Brussels. The so-called Islamic State (IS; formerly ISIS, ISIL) has claimed responsibility for Tuesday's attacks.