We Need to Resume Political Dialogue Between Russia, NATO - Steinmeier

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier stressed that it is important to activate and improve mechanisms that will prevent further emergence of ‘gaps’ and misunderstandings between European countries.

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier called for a resumption of political dialogue between Russia and NATO and said that political channels should remain open whenever possible.

"Once again, we need a political dialogue between NATO and Russia, at least at the level of ambassadors. [..] Last September in Wales we have decided to leave political channels (of communication) open," the politician said on Tuesday in Berlin during an event commemorating the 60th anniversary Germany’s entry into NATO.

According to Steinmeier, Germany will make every effort to figure out "how to activate and improve mechanisms that will prevent further deepening of chasms in Europe and retain the ability to build bridges" during its OSCE Chairmanship in 2016.

The politician also mentioned that there are many other challenges beyond European borders which also should be resolved in the near future. These include the Iranian nuclear program as well as conflicts in Yemen, Libya, Iraq and Syria.

"None of these dangerous conflicts can be solved without cooperation between the United States, Russia and Europe as well as the Muslim neighborhood. European narcissism let us too often lose sight," the politician said.