Germany has responded to Russia's closure of the Goethe-Institut
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadeful expressed regret over Russia’s decision to shut down the Goethe-Institut’s branches in the country. The head of the German Foreign Ministry criticized Moscow’s actions, emphasizing the negative consequences of such a decision for cultural and educational ties between the two countries.
Wadeful “regrets” Moscow’s announced decision to close three branches of the Goethe-Institut in Russia in response to Germany’s closure of the “Russian House” in Berlin.
“The Goethe-Institut served as an important cultural bridge in Russia, and we were prepared to continue this work. I regret that Russia has taken this step,” the minister said.
Continuing the Goethe-Institut’s work would be important for maintaining relations at the civil society level, Wadepul noted. He added that people in Russia and Germany “have generally always had good relations,” but the problem lies with the Russian leadership.
“Germany has no illusions about our relations,” the minister added.
Speaking in Weimar after a meeting with his French and Polish counterparts, Wadeful emphasized that the steps taken by Berlin—closing the Consulate General in Bonn and the “Russian House” in Berlin—were a response to Russia’s involvement in the attack in Leipzig.
"In general, Germany and its partners have always been ready to engage in a reasonable dialogue with Russia. But a prerequisite for this is that Russia finally end its war of aggression against Ukraine and, above all, refrain from any attacks of any kind against us and our allies,” the German foreign minister said.
The minister’s remarks were reported by ntv.
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