FRG President: European Union does not expect pro-Western foreign policy from Russia

The European Union does not expect pro-Western foreign policy from Russia, but is determined to establish equal cooperation in the interests of the general security. This was disclosed by German President Johannes Rau, while addressing the MGIMO students (MGIMO is a Russian acronym for Moscow State University of International Relations) on Wednesday.

"Russia needs Europe as well as Europe needs Russia," he stressed. According to him, Germany is an active member of the European Union and NATO, and its foreign policy is part of the European foreign policy. Germany, as a representative of the European Union, sees only one way for Russia - "closer cooperation and partnership with the Euro-Atlantic structures," he said. "In its cooperation with Europe, Russia must, on the one hand, preserve its originality, and on the other hand, build its relations with partners on the basis of the All-European system of values," he believes.

The FRG President recalled that Russia and the European Union signed an agreement on partnership and cooperation, envisaging common economic environment in the future. Moreover, Russia and NATO "worked out a new mechanism, which included Russia in the process of discussions and decision-making inside the alliance. In this way NATO proved its readiness for cooperation with Russia in the solution of common problems," Rau stressed.

He also pointed out the OSCE's important role in the creation of the system of security and stability in Europe. "Security in Europe can not be ensured through military means alone. It must be based on prosperous economy and civil society," the President underlined. According to him, Russia and Europe must closely cooperate in this direction.