Frank Walter Steinmeier suggested an open dialogue between Germany and Russia

13:02, December 10, 2014

German Minister for Foreign Affairs paid much attention to the history of relations between the two countries

Honorary Doctor of Ural Federal University, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier visited Ekaterinburg and gave a lecture to UrFU students.

UrFU Rector Victor Koksharov underlined that Frank-Walter Steinmeier supports new initiatives that contribute to the development of Russian-German relations. The very first visit of Frank-Walter Steinmeier took place in 2008, when the foundations of the partnership in the energy sector were laid and was suggested to create Russian-German Energy Agency. Another important result of the collaboration was establishment of the Russian-German Forum on Energy Efficiency. This year the forum was held at the university for the sixth time.

During his lecture, Steinmeier expressed serious concerns about the current state of Russian-German relations, but he also made a special emphasis on the fact that we still had not exhausted all the possibilities for an honest, open dialogue and analysis of the situation.

"After many years of developing partnerships we feel that a certain measure of political alienation increases, - said the German politician. - This situation shall not determine the prospects for future development of our nations. "

The Foreign Minister of Germany also pointed out that recently there has been a return to the long-gone prejudices.

"Political opposition can leas to the opposition in the minds of people. We shouldn’t let it happen. Conflicts can be solved and I'm sure we can find a way to each other. There is only one way - open, continuous, honest dialogue, "- said Steinmeier.

After the lecture, the students had the opportunity to ask questions. Quite expectedly, most of them have been related to economic sanctions against Russia from the European Union and the situation in Ukraine.