MOSCOW, June 27 (RIA Novosti) – Russian President Vladimir Putin has lauded Germany as Russia’s most important partner in promoting peace and global stability.
“We value the cumulative potential of Russian-German relations, and the high level of our trade and economic cooperation. Germany is one of leading EU nations, our biggest partner in enhancing peace, global and regional stability,” Putin said during a diplomatic accreditation ceremony for 14 foreign ambassadors to Russia broadcast on Rossiya-24.
The Russian president said Moscow was committed to strengthening every aspect of its bilateral ties with Berlin and emphasized the significance of German-Russian cultural exchanges, which promote cross-border language and literature studies.
Russian and Ukrainian leaders have long been in phone talks over the crisis in Ukraine, a country that plays a crucial role as a transit hub for Russian natural gas on its way to Europe, notably Germany.
On Thursday, Putin held a phone conversation with his German counterpart, Chancellor Angela Merkel, in which they sought to establish controls to ensure the warring parties in Ukraine uphold the current ceasefire.