Question: How could you describe the current state of relations between Russia and the FRG?

Answer: I would like to note the constructive character of Russian-German relations. At the core of cooperation between our countries lie the mindset for searching for collective answers to security challenges; mutual engagement in tackling pan-European and world development problems in an era of globalization; due consideration for reciprocal interests; our intertwining and complementary economic potentials; the commonality of history, and the cultural/psychological compatibility of Russians and Germans in an integrating Europe.

In 2007 substantial progress was achieved in the main areas of cooperation, including its political, trade-and-economic and cultural-humanitarian components. An important impulse to the realization of significant projects for the two countries came from the ninth round of Interstate Consultations involving key members of the governments of the two countries that was held in Wiesbaden on October 14-15 last year. The decisions taken at it are being successfully implemented.

Question: How effective do you think is Russian-German engagement on the international scene?

Answer: Russian-FRG engagement on the international scene bears a generally smooth character and facilitates the reinforcement of global and pan-European security and the development of a new quality of Russian relations with the EU and NATO. In the course of regular contacts the sides exchange views on such problems as the state of affairs in the Balkans, Iran's nuclear program, Middle East settlement, the situation in Lebanon, Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as strategic stability, arms control, the nonproliferation of WMD and missile technologies, the fight against international terrorism and other security challenges, the strengthening of peacekeeping capabilities and preventive diplomacy.

Question: What could you say about cooperation between Russia and the FRG in the trade and economic field?

Answer: Economic ties are the basic foundation and driving factor of the entire range of bilateral cooperation. Germany is our leading trade and economic partner. In 2007 the volume of mutual trade hit a record level of 52.8 billion dollars. Total German investment inflows into Russia's economy last year amounted to 3.4 billion dollars (up from 2 billion dollars in 2006).

The agenda is to switch from traditional, preeminently commercial forms of interaction to extensive scientific-technological as well as production and investment cooperation. Tasks are coming to the fore aimed at increasing the number of joint projects, primarily in high technologies, including energy, aviation and space, car manufacturing, transport, telecommunications and communication. Among the priority projects in Russian-German cooperation is the construction of the European gas transportation system Nord Stream, which will strengthen the existing guarantees of reliable energy supply for Europe.

A special role in promoting cooperation belongs to the High Level Strategic Group on Economic and Financial Cooperation, which will meet next at Berlin in spring 2008.

Question: How are Russian-German ties developing in scientific, technological, cultural and humanitarian matters?

Answer: There is considerable potential for deepening cooperation in science and technology. Among the advanced large-scale projects of pan-European significance being elaborated by Russia and Germany: construction and operation of the X-ray free-electron laser (XFEL) in Hamburg; construction of the International Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research (FAIR) in Darmstadt.

Both sides devote heightened attention to the cultural and humanitarian sphere, educational, scientific and youth exchanges and NGO/civil society contacts. An important originator and promoter of initiatives is the Petersburg Dialogue public forum, whose 8th meeting is planned to be held in Russia this year.

March 6, 2008