KRASNODAR, June 28. /TASS/. Berlin is willing to open a new chapter in relations with Moscow, German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said at the 14th Conference of Russian and German Partner Cities.
"Our relations are special and we should value them," he said. "We have a treasure in our hands and we are responsible for taking care of it and not losing it," Gabriel added. "We would like to open new positive chapters in our relations," the German top diplomat stressed.
Gabriel highlighted "the importance of regional ties." "Yes, we have differences on Ukraine and Syria but regional ties are very important," he said. "In the current circumstances, we should not reject civil relations, as it is only through dialogue that confidence may be built. If we have mutual understanding and openness, then we can move forward," the German top diplomat noted.
Gabriel said that Berlin supports the Astana process aimed at resolving the Syrian conflict.
"As for Syria, it must be said that the Astana process has helped reduce military activities in Syria and we are grateful to those who initiated it," he said. "We are also grateful to Russia for its constructive positon on this issue," he added.
The German foreign minister also said Germany welcomes the fact Presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump may have a meeting on the sidelines of the G20 conference in Hamburg.
"The federal government and I personally would welcome the meeting between the Russian and U.S. Presidents on the sidelines of the G20 conference," he said.
It is still unknown problem about a Normandy Format meeting at the level of the heads of state and government, Gabriel told reporters.
"Touching upon a meeting in the Normandy Four format at the level of the heads of state and government, I could say nothing about possibility of such a meeting before the start of G20 summit due on July," he said.