Official website of the President of Russia

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Vladimir Putin:

“The star-filled heavens above us and the world inside us will always fascinate humanity.”

I know that you have just come from Kaliningrad where you took part in events commemorating our common compatriot, Immanuel Kant. You also took part in the opening of the German Federal Republic’s consulate there. I think this is a small but real step towards broadening our opportunities for cooperation.

Our cooperation is developing very positively. Our trade turnover remains very high – 24 billion euros. Germany is the biggest investor in the Russian economy with more than 10 billion euros in accumulated investments. We are also developing our ties in humanitarian and other areas. In general, we are working in the spirit of the agreements that we reached in Yekaterinburg at our last meeting.

Germany is also a very important partner for Russia when it comes to building up relations between our country and the European Union.

You are set to discuss all these different questions while here in Moscow, and I am sure that your talks and consultations will take place in a good, positive atmosphere.

You mentioned the nature of modern international relations and the principles guiding international relations today.

Truly, we can say without any exaggeration that the ideas Kant set out in his works, especially in his essay “Towards Eternal Peace” form the foundation of modern international relations. We really do share a common foundation and we feel particular respect for it. And it is upon this common foundation that we are developing our ties today and, I am sure, will continue to do so in the future.