Dmitry Medvedev expresses condolences to German Chancellor Angela Merkel on the passing of former Federal Chancellor Helmut Kohl

The message reads, in part:

“An outstanding statesman, the patriarch of European and world politics, and the architect of German unification has passed away.

Helmut Kohl made a great personal contribution to ending the Cold War, drawing up the most important treaties that still serve as a reliable foundation for Russian-German relations, and to developing and strengthening neighbourliness, partnership and cooperation between our countries and peoples.”