Dirk Wiese: "We can engage in constructive dialogue with Russia"

Orkhan Sattarov, the head of the European Office of Vestnik Kavkaza
Dirk Wiese: "We can engage in constructive dialogue with Russia"

The German Federal Government's coordinator for inter-societal cooperation with Russia, Central Asia and the Eastern Partnership countries, member of the Social Democratic Party Dirk Wiese is a new face in German foreign policy. The 35-year-old politician started his work in the Russian direction in April 2018, replacing fellow party member Gernot Erler, who was rather experienced in German-Russian relations. In difficult times, when Germany, having faced with the tough pressure of Trump's America, was forced to reconsider its foreign policy concept, the politician shared his views in an interview with the German media regarding his country's relations with Russia and the United States. We offer our readers the most interesting excerpts from the politician's various interviews that demonstrate that European politicians are blown away by Washington's harsh steps towards the EU, and emphasis in the relations with Russia are eased.

Russia's World Cup success  and "problematic issues"

"It should be noted that Russia's World Cup was well organized, and we did not witness serious incidents. But, of course, the championship has not solved all political difficulties and political problems. I do not think that such a thing could be expected, so it is important to continue our dialogue on problematic issues, including, for example, the arrest of Ukrainian director Oleg Sentsov, a lot was written about it in the local media over the past few days - we continue to cover these issues, regardless of the World Cup and its results. There is also the case of Oyub Titiev from the Russian organization "Memorial", who is in custody in the North Caucasus, and the case of director Kirill Serebrennikov. It was not much discussed during the World Cup, but we continue to address these issues with our Russian counterparts. Of course, it's good that the championship was held, and many foreign citizens visited Russia. During the group stage there were 20-25 thousand German fans in Russia, who made an impression of the country, communicated with ordinary Russian citizens. Such things are principally welcomed. But it is also important to discuss those things in an open dialogue with Russia, the development of which we think is moving in the wrong direction."

The dialogue between the US and Russia

"An exchange of views between the United States and Russia is in our interests, including in the interests of Germany. It's always good when the parties talk to each other. It's good that the meeting between Putin and Trump took place, and the parties were able to talk openly about the problematic issues of world politics - Ukraine, Syria, nuclear disarmament. "

The German politician believes that quick results from the summit should not be expected, and the two sides need to hold a number meetings - including, at lower levels. Meanwhile, both the NATO summit in Brussels and the meeting of Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin have shown that in the current geopolitical situation Europe needs to find its own place - and it should be strong and united for this. Europeans can no longer rely on their old foreign policy model - including, due to the unpredictability of Donald Trump.

The non-constructiveness of the US and Donald Trump

"I think that in recent days, including during the NATO summit, everyone has been convinced that, unfortunately, there is a certain unpredictability in the US in the context of Trump's political actions. Anyone who offends his partners during the NATO summit with such expressions naturally loses credibility on many fronts and, ultimately, hurts himself, if, for example, to consider trade relations. The EU and the US are the largest trading partners, and this is a winning situation for both sides. The German economy is a largest employer in may US states. Here, as I believe, it is necessary to make clear to the US how closely our economic interests are intertwined. One cannot pursue a reasonable and predictable policy by formulating thoughts in Twitter. And I believe that we need to make it clear to the US once again how important our relations are, how deep they are, especially in the economy. It is not yet possible to witness such processes without disappointment and bewilderment."

The German-Russian relationship

"I think that we are going through complicated times in out relations with Russia as well. We have topics on which our positions with Russia unequivocally diverge. This concerns Crimea, the lack of progress in the Minsk peace settlement, however, on the initiative of Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, now we see little progress here again, a discussion on the UN mission in the Donbass. But we also see in our relations with Russia that we can engage in constructive dialogue. I will cite as an example the nuclear deal with Iran, which was unilaterally severed by the United States. In this issue, the EU and Russia have a common interest."

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