Sigmar Gabriel
Foreign Minister of Germany, Sigmar Gabriel, said he feared the start of a new arms race in Europe. He said this at a press conference in Moscow after talks with Russian foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, reports “Interfax”.
According to Gabriel, it is unclear how it is possible to reverse this trend, “we have reached a critical point”. “You can continue the escalation, referring only to his opinion, or again and again to try to understand what is happening on the other side, to understand and accept other interests,” he added.
The foreign Minister also said that the attempt to find common ground is the only chance for the normalization of relations between Russia and the West.
5 February in an interview with German TV channel ARD Gabriel said that the possible rapprochement between the US and Russia could contribute to resolving international crises. “If between these two world powers will be a discharge, it will be good for the development of the situation in Syria, the situation in Ukraine, the process of disarmament in Europe,” he said.
Gabriel was appointed head of the German diplomatic corps on January 27. On assuming office, he said he intends to maintain the continuity of foreign policy: Germany will remain committed to the principle of the unity of Europe, will continue to focus on the partnership involving the USA and will practice a multi-pronged approach to international problems.