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Statement by Minister of State Michelle Müntefering prior to her trip to the Russian Federation
Minister of State Michelle Müntefering issued the following statement today (30 November) before departing for her trip to Moscow:
We need free scientific exchange beyond borders in order to facilitate innovation and progress. We can only master the major issues of our time if we all work together. German-Russian cooperation between universities and in science and research in particular show what is possible when we join forces. Moreover, international cooperation creates understanding and promotes trust between both sides. We want to further intensify this cooperation. I am therefore looking forward to the Year of Germany in Russia, which will take place from August 2020 to July 2021 with numerous activities in art and culture, education and science, business, the environment and tourism.
Background information:
Michelle Müntefering, Minister of State for International Cultural Policy at the Federal Foreign Office, is visiting Moscow from 30 November to 2 December 2019. On 2 December, on the occasion of the mid-term review of the German-Russian Year of Universities and Science 2018-2020, she will open the German-Russian Science and Higher Education Forum together with representatives from the Russian Government. During her visit to Moscow, the Minister of State will also meet Ms Olga Golodets, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation. Another important focus of her trip will be the preparations for the Year of Germany in Russia in 2020. A visit to the Goethe-Institut and talks with representatives from the cultural sphere and civil society are planned in this context.