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Foreign Minister Steinmeier Holds Talks in Moscow

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier met with Russian President Vladimir Putin, First Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow on December 20 and 21.

Germany’s plans for the presidencies of the European Union and the G8 in 2007 were the focus of the talks. As Russia held the G8 Presidency in 2006, the visit also served as a “passing of the baton.”

During its EU Presidency, Germany would like to bring new momentum to the European-Russian relationship. The renewal of the partnership and cooperation agreement between the EU and Russia due in 2007 offers a good opportunity for both new and deepened prospects for working together. One such suggestion is the expansion of the EU-Russian Energy Partnership.

Domestic political developments in Russia were not excluded from the discussions. The recent killings of journalist Anna Politkovskaya and former KGB agent Alexander Litvinenko have negatively impacted Russia’s image in the German and European public. Steinmeier’s called on Russia to work against this effect by quickly and thoroughly investigating the incidents.

In meetings with representatives of Russian civil society and opposition parties, Foreign Minister Steinmeier also planned to gather information on the impact of the Russian NGO law, which went into effect in April. It has been criticized, and in discussions with the Russian government, Steinmeier has repeatedly addressed German concerns with the law and emphasized that the development of pluralism and democracy in Russia and respect for human rights are fundamental prerequisites for the stability and prosperity of the country.

International issues were also on the agenda. Only together with Russia can Europe find solutions for the problems in many regions of the world, be it in Iran, in the Middle East or in Kosovo. It is this constructive cooperation that Germany wants to expand during its presidencies of the EU and the G8.

December 21, 2006

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