Leader Of Germany's Social Democrats Calls For Change In Berlins Policy On Moscow

Leader of Germany's Social Democrats Calls for Change in Berlins Policy on Moscow

Germany should change its policy toward Russia because Moscow remains a important dialogue partner, Christian Lindner, the leader of the German Free Democratic Party (FDP), said in an interview published on Friday, a day before talks between the leaders of the two countries are scheduled

MOSCOW (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 17th August, 2018) Germany should change its policy toward Russia because Moscow remains a important dialogue partner, Christian Lindner, the leader of the German Free Democratic Party (FDP), said in an interview published on Friday, a day before talks between the leaders of the two countries are scheduled.

"FDP wants other policy toward Russia [Russian President Vladimir] Putin remains an important partner for dialogue," Lindner told the Passauer Neue Presse newspaper.

The politician added that Russia should return to the G7 negotiating table, but only after the country shifts its political course.

The current G7 includes Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The group used to be called the G8 before Russia's membership was suspended in 2014 after the outbreak of the Ukrainian crisis.

Putin and German Chancellor Angela Merkel will meet in Berlin on Saturday. German cabinet spokesman Steffen Seibert said earlier this week that the two leaders were expected to address bilateral relations, the situations in Syria and Ukraine as well as energy cooperation.