"I believe that it is in the mutual interest of Germany and Russia to start lifting mutual sanctions," Schwesig said in an interview with Die Welt newspaper, noting that both sides should take steps toward each other.
The minister-president stated that the sanctions had not achieved their intended goals and instead caused a negative economic effect.
"After four years of mutual economic sanctions, we conclude that they have not met their goal," she said, noting the negative impact that the restrictions had on agriculture.
The politician stressed that there was an all-party consensus in eastern Germany on the issue of sanctions.
READ MORE: Germany 'Should Take First Step to Russia' by Easing Sanctions — Bundestag VP
"For example, we have a very similar view with my counterpart Reiner Haseloff from Saxony-Anhalt. He would also like the mutual sanctions to be canceled," she said.
Schwesig noted that she also maintained contact with German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas on the issue.
"We maintain a good dialogue with Heiko Maas with regard to the policy toward Russia," she said, adding that there were certain "nuances" concerning the degree of criticism toward Moscow and that majority of Germans were interested in a dialogue with Russia.
The Western sanctions against Russia were introduced in 2014 over the crisis in Ukraine and Crimea's reunification with Russia following a referendum, what led to the deterioration of diplomatic relations. Russia has repeatedly refuted allegations of interference in Ukraine's affairs, warning that the Western sanctions were counterproductive and undermined global stability.
