The Russian leader has noted that Moscow is interested in developing a constructive dialogue with Germany. “We expect that the ‘cross’ Years of the Russian and German languages and literature held in the countries will contribute to strengthening mutual understanding and confidence between the two peoples,” Putin said in the message.
Last year, Germany, Russia’s most important trade partner in Europe, exported about €36 billion of goods to Russia. In the first half of this year, Germany’s exports to Russia plunged over 15%, before Russia’s agricultural ban imposed in early August amid Western sanctions.