BERLIN, July 29. /TASS/. Germany should try to improve relations with Russia despite all difficulties, Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier told Passauer Neue Presse in an interview published on Friday.

"In the end, European security cannot be without Russia and definitely cannot be against Russia. Despite current difficulties, we should reserve an opportunity for improving relations with Russia again. This is relevant despite our critique of Russia’s actions, for instance in Ukraine," Steinmeier said.

"It will not work if NATO considers relations with Russia from the position of confrontation on the one side, and seeks cooperation with Moscow on issues concerning Syria, Libya and Iran on the other side," the foreign minister stressed.