Putin Steinmeier
"Russia and Germany must jointly overcome the alienation that has arisen between them in recent years" said German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Moscow. The main point of the program of his working visit, of course, was the negotiations with Vladimir Putin. Among them - Syria, the DPRK and the Russian initiative on the UN mission in the Donbass. However, today's visit was not limited to politics.

A wreath to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the Alexander Garden for foreign delegations is an obligatory ceremonial. But when the President of Germany lays it - there is a special symbolism in this.

The results of the Second World War for the Germans are unshakable. Hence the desire for historical justice. Today, they also talked a lot about it at the Lutheran Cathedral of Saint Peter and Paul. In the year of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, Russia passes the building to the Evangelical Lutheran Church.

"I thank the Russian president for his support in this matter, which is really a wonderful, very strong and bright gesture, exactly in the year when we celebrate the anniversary of the Reformation, especially since I know perfectly well how important this church is for the parishioners. "Other countries border mountains, seas and rivers, Russia borders with God," - words written by poet Rainer Maria Rilke about Russia, and quoted by Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

The Lutheran Cathedral, built in the center of Moscow in 1905 by the architect Shekhtel, like most churches, was closed in 1937. Since then, there has been a movie theater "Arktika", and the studio "Filmstrip" - whose redevelopment completely destroyed the historic interiors.

"You are involved in all the processes of bilateral relations, very deeply, you are aware of all our questions, and I hope that your visit will be a good impetus in the development of bilateral relations, will serve to strengthen our interstate relations." Herzlich willkommen (welcome) " , - said Vladimir Putin.

"I am convinced that we must oppose the alienation that took place between our countries in the past years, for this we need to continue the dialogue, we need long-term intentions on both sides to overcome the crisis," the German president said.

Steinmeier said "Despite the known political difficulties, Russian-German relations do not stand still, and we are ready to work together to further develop them." In Russia, more than 5,500 enterprises operate with capital from Germany, their total turnover exceeds 50 million and German business is set to further expand its activities in the Russian market.

"We live together in Europe - it is a duty to our people, in the presence of all disagreements and conflicts, to always continue to seek a compromise," Steinmeier said.