What is special about Merkel's "farewell visit" to Russia?
Our reporter Feng Jiawei
German Chancellor Angela Merkel arrived in Moscow on the 20th to make the last visit to Russia before leaving office.
Merkel said at a joint press conference after the meeting with Russian President Putin that this was her "farewell visit."
In an interview with reporters, Wang Xiaowei, an expert on international issues and a researcher at the Center for European Studies of China University of Political Science and Law, said that Merkel’s visit to Russia at this time was not a simple “goodbye”, but a special purpose: on the one hand, Merkel’s trip was intended to consolidate Own "political heritage"; on the other hand, Merkel's visit may be paving the way for a successor.
Reporter: Russia-Europe relations have been at war in recent years, but Russia-Germany relations are very delicate. The two countries have maintained good cooperation in some areas. Why?
Wang Xiaowei: Many commentators regard Merkel and Putin as leaders on the international political arena who "know oneself and each other"-Merkel, who grew up in the former East Germany, has a deep knowledge of Soviet history and speaks Russian; Putin He has worked in Germany for many years and is fluent in German.
The personal relationship between the two is very good.
Merkel brought Putin a few bottles of Radeberg beer from time to time, and Putin gave Merkel very good smoked fish.
Before the start of the talks on the 20th, Putin gave Merkel a bouquet of white and pale pink flowers, showing a gentlemanly demeanor.
Relevant statistics show that Putin and Merkel have met 30 times on different occasions.
In recent years, although Russia-Germany relations have been bumpy, they have withstood tests. This is inseparable from the good relations between the leaders of the two countries.
Of course, the development of Russia-Germany relations is closely related to the diplomatic concepts of the two countries. In Russia's relations with Europe, Germany is undoubtedly the top priority. Germany, as the “locomotive” of Europe, insists on developing good relations with Russia. It is in Germany's interest to be led by the United States.
Reporter: As the last visit to Russia during her tenure, what is the main purpose of Merkel's visit?
Wang Xiaowei: At a press conference after the talks on the 20th, Putin said that one of the priority topics in the conversation with Merkel was the issue of Afghanistan.
In addition to the Afghanistan issue, the status quo and prospects of Russia-Germany relations, the "Beixi-2" natural gas pipeline project, and the situation in Belarus are also important topics of Putin and Merkel's talks.
Putin said that the views of the two sides in the talks are not always consistent, but the dialogue is always to seek compromise.
Before the talks began, Merkel also said that although there are differences in views with Putin, she believes that it is very important to talk to each other and continue to communicate.
The "Beixi-2" natural gas pipeline project is of great significance to both Russia and Germany. The United States has used many methods to prevent the project from advancing, but none of them worked.
With the joint efforts of the leaders of Russia and Germany, the successful completion of the "Beixi-2" natural gas pipeline project is just around the corner. This will also be the "legacy" of bilateral relations left by Merkel and Putin.
Reporter: After Merkel resigns, what changes will happen to Russia-Germany relations?
Wang Xiaowei: Although there are differences between Russia and Germany, Merkel has inherited the good relationship between her predecessor Schroeder and Putin and built a stable framework for the long-term development of German-Russian relations.
In the future, no matter which party in Germany comes to power or who is the chancellor of Germany, Russia-Germany relations will be adjusted and developed on the existing basis, and there will be no major changes like a "roller coaster".
During the talks on the 20th, Putin stated that Germany is one of Russia's main partners in Europe and the world.
Germany is Russia's second largest trading partner after China.
Before leaving office, the biggest thing Merkel can do may be to pave the way for her successor to cooperate with Russia.
Therefore, Merkel's visit is not only a courtesy "farewell", but also hopes to integrate her political "legacy" into the future and continue to develop.