MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Friendship between Moscow and Berlin is crucial for the future of Europe, German Ambassador to Russia Ruediger von Fritsch said Tuesday.
Von Fritsch comments came after his meeting on Monday with former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, which he said focused on German-Russian ties in light of new challenges, including the rise of international terrorism.
"We agreed that friendly relations between Germany and Russia are key to Europe’s bright future," the envoy wrote in a statement on his Twitter account in Russian.
Von Fritsch stressed that Moscow and Berlin must confront the threat of international terrorism together, and emphasized Gorbachev’s role in unifying Germany 25 years ago.
On Monday, the German cabinet approved a plan to support the military offensive against Islamist forces in Syria, where Russia has been combating extremist militants since September.
