“The future of relations between Russia and any country depends not only on Russia. It is a mutual process and it cannot be positively decided by only one side. But we seek to develop our relations with the Federal Republic of Germany,” Putin said.
“We have no intentions to terminate or reduce [ties], we feel that German businesses do not wish for this either. We have very good relations, reliable and lengthy. And we will do anything to preserve and develop them. It is in the interests of Russia, Germany, the European continent, and the world economy.”
About 6,200 German companies are currently active in the Russian market, despite the current sanctions regime, Putin said, noting that as little as 100 to 150 of them have reduced their level of activity.
“Furthermore, I have said new enterprises are being opened – including today – with the active participation of German companies with which we have traditional ties.”
