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Russian PM describes Moscow-Berlin relations as "ailing but curable"

Medvedev noted a high level of trust and cooperation between the two countries’ businesses, so "it is up to the European politicians to make up their mind"

MOSCOW, February 11. /TASS/. Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has described relations between Russia and Germany as ailing but curable.

"These relations are ailing but curable. And the course of treatment is rather simple - restoration of the dialogue and trust," he told the German daily Handelsblad in an interview.

Medvedev noted a high level of trust and cooperation between the two countries’ businesses, so "it is up to the European politicians to make up their mind."

"What has happened is really deplorable: trade turnover between Russia and Germany has shrunk 40%. Trade with the European Union has dwindled by half, but it will be still worse, if we keep driving the situation farther up the dead end. One has to be bold enough to recognize that time is ripe for ending the economic sanctions that spell nothing good either for Europe or for Russia. Our country is prepared for that, but let me point out once again: we are waiting for our EU partners to take the first step," Medvedev said.

During his visit to Munich for the Security Conference he would meet with members of the East Committee of the German Economy. The Russian delegation will incorporate delegates from various Russian companies.

"I will take a group of Russian businessmen with me. We will be discussing the restoration of business cooperation. There is a great variety of prospects, from what we have already accomplished to Nord Stream-2, which will be surely of great use to our largest partners," Medvedev said.