Russia cherishes its relations with Germany, Vladimir Putin said during the ceremony. He said even the most complicated issues, including exchanges of national cultural treasures, could be settled in a constructive and calm manner. All we have to do is display political will and respect each other’s legitimate interests, Putin said.
Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov, deputy head of the Presidential Executive Office Sergei Prikhodko, German Culture Minister Michael Naumann, and representatives of German local governments and business circles also attended the ceremony.