Russia and the EU should develop industrial strategic alliances and create a free trade zone in order to promote a "new wave of industrialization" in Europe, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said in an article published in Germany's Suddeutsche Zeitung on Thursday.
"European science and education should hold a leading position [in the world.] This can only be achieved through close cooperation," Putin said.
The prime minister said Russia and the EU were at risk of losing a number of innovative industries because of a deficit in technical specialists.
"We are already seeing far fewer talented young people in the EU and Russia who are striving to receive a technical education," he said.
He said Russia would continue investing in trans-European projects to promote science and continue using European technologies in its industrial sector.
He said Russia was looking forward to seeing more investment from the EU in its innovation projects, praising the German company Siemens for taking part in Russia's Skolkovo innovation center near Moscow.
The article coincides with Putin's participation in an annual economic forum for heads and top managers of leading German companies organized by the paper. The forum will run from November 25-26 in Berlin.
Putin will also hold talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel during his visit.
MOSCOW, November 25 (RIA Novosti)
