Long-term downturn in relations between Russia and Germany would have negative consequences not only for those pairs of countries, but for the whole of the Euro-Atlantic region, said the head of the Ministry of foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation S. V. Lavrov in the interview application.

"It is clear that the Long-term decline of the Russian-German cooperation would have negative consequences not only for pairs of countries and their economies, but also for the whole of the Euro-Atlantic region ", - said Lavrov.

according to his statement, of particular concern is the danger of a new "exclusion" of citizens of Russia and the Germans. The Minister said that the post-war truce the USSR and Germany helped to reach the level of strategic partnership and mutually beneficial cooperation that has become the key " as further successful development of our bilateral relations and the stability and prosperity of Europe in General.

"I am confident that with the goodwill of the General's actions under the power to reverse the current unfavorable trend and get back to work on the further development of equal and mutually beneficial partnership. Open to any reasonable initiatives from the German side, aimed at improving the situation, " the Minister added.

Lavrov drew attention to the important role played in these conditions the General public several countries, among them in the framework of the forum " Petersburg dialogue ".

Relations between Russia and the West deteriorated in connection with the situation in Ukraine, where from April 2014 continuing military confrontation between the Kiev authorities and Eastern regions of the country, which require from the centre of additional powers. In July of last year the EU and the US from point penalties against private individuals and organizations have moved to the measures against entire sectors of Russia's economy. In response, Russia restricted imports of food items from countries that have entered against her punishment. Moscow has stated many times that is not a party to domestic conflict and is interested in its early peaceful settlement. Imposed by the West punishments of the Russian Federation considers illegal and unjustified.

sections: Politics