Interfax: Russians certain of Germans’ friendliness – poll

Angela Merkel file photo

MOSCOW. Nov 14 (Interfax) – Russians give “three and a half” out of five to the relations between Moscow and Berlin and think that the development of Russian-German economic cooperation could contribute to enhancing those ties, sociologists said.

The majority of Russian citizens (92%) have never been to Germany but many (57%) would like to go, the All-Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VTsIOM) told Interfax when releasing a poll dedicated to the Russian-German relations and their prospects.

Most respondents (74%) do not have German relatives, acquaintances or colleagues, while 26% either have or had, the survey showed. The poll was held in 130 cities, towns and villages in 42 Russian regions, territories and republics and involved 1,600 people.

A total of 67% respondents think that the main quality of Germans is order, 30% – respect for law, 26% – dedication to traditions and 20% – respect for authorities, the survey showed. Meanwhile, the qualities mentioned most seldom are a sense of humor (3%), courage (3%) and openness (2%).

When asked about qualities most untypical for German citizens, respondents referred to corruption, alcohol abuse and crime (22%).

Russians give three and half – 3.65 out of five – to current Russian-German relations, the poll showed.

Seventy per cent think the attitude of the German authorities towards Russia is most friendly in comparison with other countries and 68% Russians believe that Germans are positive towards Russia, the survey showed.

A total of 15% Russian citizens think that as of today the possibility of resolving economic issues brings the two countries together, while the memories of the World War II pushes them apart (12%), the poll showed.

Almost a half of respondents (49%) believe that the development of economic cooperation will contribute to enhancing the Russian-German relations, 29% refer to the development of tourism, 23% to political partnership and 20% to advancing cultural ties.

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