The congratulatory message reads, in part:
”As a prominent politician and public figure you made a significant contribution to restoring German unity and strengthening cooperation in Europe in general.
The wide-ranging efforts you made as Federal Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany did much to give Russian-German relations new form and quality based on the principles of trusting dialogue and constructive cooperation.
I am sure that our countries’ strategic partnership, which has achieved impressive foreign-policy, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian results, will continue to be an important factor in maintaining lasting stability in Europe and throughout the world.
Today, your great authority continues to exert a benignant influence on developing relations between Russia and Germany, and serves as an example for new generations.“