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President Putin: Dear Friends, Dear Ladies and Gentlemen!

First of all, let me, once again, congratulate you on the jubilee of your remarkable city! On this day Kaliningrad has received and presented many gifts. One of those is undoubtedly the granting of the name, Immanuel Kant to your famous University. Of course, Kant is primarily a remarkable figure of German enlightenment, but not that only. Due to his great contribution to world culture he belongs to the category of people whom we call, people of the world. I'm glad that here in Kaliningrad, the name of Kant has not been forgotten, but instead been elevated and given to the University.

I know that the citizens of Kaliningrad are proud that such a prominent man used to live here. It was not only occassionally that the Rector called him a compatriot. Precisely, he had a direct relationship with our country, with Russia. He was a member of the Russian Academy of Science, and in certain aspect subject of the Russian Empire. Most important is, that all of his life was connected with Koenigsberg, with its history of many centuries and glorious traditions. And of course, with its legendary University, Albertina.

As for the University, it has played a special role in the destiny of Russian enlightenment. To say more, four Presidents of the Russian Academy of Science were for several years professors here. Many of the figures of Russian history received a great education at this University.

Today we are witnesses to the historic act. It is a great event, because we refer with great respect to the legacy of this great philosopher. I remind you that Kant protected such basic concepts of the modern world as freedom, and equality for everyone under the law. He stood against any segregation on the basis of religion and ethnicity.

I remind you of one more circumstance which I consider today extremely important one for us along with Mr. Chancellor. Kant was a categorical opponent to the resolution of any international arguments that included war. And we are trying to adhere to his doctrine in this regard. I suppose that the provision Kant has stated must be enacted by our generation. Just like his doctrine concerning the division of authority that has been enacted, his doctrine on the peaceful solution of international disputes can and must be implemented. On these exact basic principles we are going to build our relationships with the European and other foreign countries. Of course it is one more thread which binds us together with our big trade, economic and political partner – Germany.

That is why now, with great pleasure I'd like to hand the floor over to the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Mr. Gerhard Schroeder.