BERLIN, April 23. /ITAR-TASS/. Germany and France have expressed readiness to contribute to the de-escalation of tensions in Ukraine.

“Germany and France will join efforts in order to help reduce tensions in Ukraine,” German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said on Wednesday.

He is expected to make visits to Moldova, Georgia and Tunisia jointly with his French counterpart Laurent Fabius.

“We are unanimous in that it is necessary to use all diplomatic means for implementing the Geneva Agreement,” Steinmeier said.

“Time’s ticking away. Any escalation of tensions complicates the settlement of the conflict,” he said.

Commenting on the purpose of the visits to Moldova and Georgia, Steinmeier said Germany and France “are deeply concerned about the eastern partners’ reaction to the situation in neighboring Ukraine”.

“We’re leaving for Moldova and Georgia to study the situation on the ground,” he said.

In light of the events in Eastern Europe, the European Union should not forget its southern partners, particularly Tunisia, Steinmeier said.

“Tunisia is the only country in the region that carried out major tasks on the way to developing democracy and forming a strong civil society,” he said.

“Tunisian citizens’ courage and resolve deserve our full support,” Steinmeier said.