No change in German-Russian relations expected after election

The outcome of Germany’s federal election and irrespective of any coalition coming to power will bring no changes to the relationship between Germany and Russia in promoting development and maintaining open dialogue, Professor Lorenz Haag, President of the Global Communications Agency, told Itar-Tass. “Strategic partnership between our countries enables us to use that great potential to modernise our state economies and to contribute to security in the world with the help of further mutual cooperation in the fields of science, education and culture along with development of small and medium-size businesses,” he said. "Both sides should learn to use more effectively the existing platforms for intellectual communication between the two countries to change the negative image of Russia,” he added. “One of the key elements of public diplomacy is to expand expert communications channels. We ought to analyse and fix favourable opportunities so we don’t miss them later.” Noting that “the Russian aspect” played no role in Germany’s election campaign, Haag observed that “unlike many other countries, Germany as a state in central Europe was clear about Russia belonging to the European continent.” “Both German businessmen and German politicians understand that further political and economic interaction with Russia is an interaction between two states belonging to the same civilization, with the same mentality and the same background.” The expert expressed hope that “not only Germans interested in foreign politics and international relations would learn more about modern Russia.” “There are thousands of Russian students as well, a number of partnerships between allied cities and an open exchange between officials of the two countries - all this inspires a deep respect for Russia,” he said.