In addition, bilateral talks were planned between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Gabriel.
"For health reasons, the German foreign minister will not be able to take part in the Russian-German bilateral events planned in Berlin. The German Foreign Ministry will be represented by the ministry's State Secretary Markus Ederer," the source told Sputnik.
The German Foreign Ministry confirmed that Gabriel would for health reasons not take part in the closing ceremony of the Year of German-Russian Youth Exchanges, for which Lavrov arrived in Berlin.
"For health reasons, the participation of German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel today in celebrations on the occasion of the closing of the Year of German-Russian Youth Exchanges is canceled," the ministry told Sputnik.
The minister at the event will be replaced by State Secretary Markus Ederer.
