03:26Germany: 'We need each other.' - Schroeder discusses German-Russian relations
Former Chancellor of Germany Gerhard Schroeder spoke out in favour of better cooperation between Russian and Germany, at the German-Russian Economic Talks in Bad Pyrmont, Tuesday.
He indicated an interest in lifting sanctions imposed on Russia, under the caveat of progress in the Donbass, saying, "Can't we manage, if there is progress in Donbass, to start lifting sanctions instead of extending them. I am very much in favour of that."
He added that Germany should establish a new policy towards Eastern Europe based on the famous Cold War 'Ostpolitik' of former chancellor Willy Brandt and his Secretary Egon Bahr.
Schroeder conceded that Germany and Russia should be moving towards a more cooperative relationship. He maintained, "The people who work in science or arts or culture, they are trying to tell us, 'You Germans, without us - and that's the truth indeed - there would be no German unity. We did not expect the fact that you in particular are looking at the sanctions promoting an extension.' This position I encounter in many parts of Russian society and I think we need to understand that too when we talk about cooperation. Long story short, we need each other."
Hosted by the East Committee of German Economy, the German-Russian forum, the International Trade Chamber (IHK) and the Russian embassy, the German-Russian Economic Talks in Bad Pyrmont's Steigenberger Hotel are running on Tuesday 30 and Wednesday 31, featuring decision makers from both Germany and Russia.
03:26Former Chancellor of Germany Gerhard Schroeder spoke out in favour of better cooperation between Russian and Germany, at the German-Russian Economic Talks in Bad Pyrmont, Tuesday.
He indicated an interest in lifting sanctions imposed on Russia, under the caveat of progress in the Donbass, saying, "Can't we manage, if there is progress in Donbass, to start lifting sanctions instead of extending them. I am very much in favour of that."
He added that Germany should establish a new policy towards Eastern Europe based on the famous Cold War 'Ostpolitik' of former chancellor Willy Brandt and his Secretary Egon Bahr.
Schroeder conceded that Germany and Russia should be moving towards a more cooperative relationship. He maintained, "The people who work in science or arts or culture, they are trying to tell us, 'You Germans, without us - and that's the truth indeed - there would be no German unity. We did not expect the fact that you in particular are looking at the sanctions promoting an extension.' This position I encounter in many parts of Russian society and I think we need to understand that too when we talk about cooperation. Long story short, we need each other."
Hosted by the East Committee of German Economy, the German-Russian forum, the International Trade Chamber (IHK) and the Russian embassy, the German-Russian Economic Talks in Bad Pyrmont's Steigenberger Hotel are running on Tuesday 30 and Wednesday 31, featuring decision makers from both Germany and Russia.