BERLIN (Sputnik) — Potential rapprochement between Russia and the United States could contribute to the settlement of international crises, such as the ones in Syria and Ukraine, Gabriel told the German ARD broadcaster.
"If there is deescalation between these two world powers, it will be good for the development of the situation in Syria, for the development of the situation in Ukraine and for the disarmament process in Europe," Gabriel remarked.
On Thursday, the new foreign minister paid an official visit to the United States, meeting with US State Secretary Rex Tillerson and with US Vice President Mike Pence.
“During the talks, both US Vice President Pence and his colleague Tillerson clearly expressed their high interest in the united Europe, supporting the transatlantic partnership in NATO, ” Gabriel said commenting on the results of the trip.
The German minister has long advocated the gradual lifting of anti-Russian sanctions, and the necessity of dialogue with Moscow. Last September he visited Moscow at the head of a German business delegation which seeks to re-establish economic ties with Russia.
Gabriel expected to take "another step to reconcile with Russia," an article in Die Welt read. He confirmed he will attend the Russian Business Day in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania in May.
