BERLIN, March 4. /TASS/. Russia and Germany should be interested in closer cooperation, current confrontation between Moscow and the West does not promote flourishing of Europe, Chairman of the German-Russian Forum Matthias Platzeck told TASS on Friday.
Firstly, the politician proposes to broaden dialogue with Moscow.
"We must use all the ways to keep in touch with each other," Platzeck said. "In constant and direct contact we can recover lost trust and prepare the way to resetting. It touches upon equally Germany and Europe. Russia should take part in the negotiations with Europe more often. The fact will promote stability and security in the continent."
According to the politician, the European Union’s sanctions against Russia lead to further freezing of the relations with Moscow. "Sanctions are not viable political measure," he said.
German business faces losses due to the sanctions and general aggravation in the Russian economy, Platzeck said.
"Russia-Germany economic potential is huge," the politician said. "It is an important part of the favourable future of the European continent."
"Global challenges are posing threats to us," he said. "We need to supress them jointly with Russia."
The Syrian crisis confirms the point of view that none of the global problems can be solved without Russia. "The West must admit" that Russia is a force in the middle East so the dialogue with Moscow should be on equal terms. That is the example of the Syrian settlement, where Russia is participating, which can clarify how to tackle problems within joint efforts.
In the words of the politician, after the collapse of the Soviet Union Russia had no clear prerequisites to implement democracy institutes on a Western model, but there existed "other ways of evolution."
"We need to learn to reconsider the fact and respect these ways even in the case when they go in no compliance with our ideals," Platzeck said.