The message reads, in part:
“The role of your forum in promoting partnership between the Russian Federation and the Federal Republic of Germany cannot be overestimated. Over the 15 years of its existence, the forum has established itself as a major platform for sharing views on important matters of economic, cultural, scientific and humanitarian cooperation, and has become a valuable source of innovative ideas and initiatives.
Today, direct contacts between leading representatives of Russian and German civil society have become particularly important. It is this form of cooperation that can help overcome current disagreements, reject stereotypes and prejudices, and restore a high level of trust and understanding between our nations.
I am confident that your joint work will help to preserve and expand our potential for strategic partnership that has built up over the course of many years. This is consistent with the core interests of the peoples of our countries and the entire European continent.”