This morning, the President of the Federal Republic of Germany, H.E. Horst Koehler, and his wife, were received in audience by His Holiness, Benedict XVI. Subsequently, the President met with Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Secretary of State, and Mons. Dominique Mamberti, secretary for relations with states. There was an exchange of opinions on various subjects: the concert for the double anniversary this year of the establishment of the Federal Republic and the fall of the Berlin Wall, which was the occasion for this visit by the President; and the present economic crisis with its consequences on the international situation, particularly in Europe and in Africa.