Geza Andreas von Geir stressed that the sense of gratitude for the reconciliation that was offered to Germans after the “fall in history” must not be lost
Germany must always base its relations with Russia on the history linking the two countries. German ambassador to Moscow Geza Andreas von Geir said this on Tuesday, speaking at the XVI conference of partner cities of Russia and Germany.
“Yesterday, opening this conference, I said on my own behalf that when starting such forums, it is important to look inside ourselves, to stand still for a moment, to be silent and feel the breath of history. We Russians and Germans have a varied history, one that has known ups and downs, beautiful pages and bitter tragedies”, – he said. – “That is why it is very important for us, Germans, when dealing with Russia, to remember what happened to us before – I mean, what we Germans are responsible for.”
The ambassador stressed that one must not lose the sense of gratitude for the reconciliation that was offered to Germans after the “fall in history”.
“What happened then has no right to happen again. I think Germany and Russia have come a long way in the last decades, building relations, among other things, because we [Germans] have been aware of our responsibility for our history every time, and the Russians, the inhabitants of the then Soviet Union, have shown tremendous magnanimity and human greatness by offering us reconciliation by extending their hand to us. I think this is the basis for our relations today, because people in our countries are looking into each other’s eyes, they have turned towards each other, and this is very valuable”, – the diplomat said.