Former Chancellor of Germany, Gerhard Schroeder told the Rheinische Post about his work at Rosneft, as well as his attitude towards Vladimir Putin. According to Schroeder, to chair the board of directors of a Russian oil firm is an "exciting task" and the money aspect here is not particularly important.
"And what if I were on the board of directors of an American firm, not a Russian one - that criticism has some hypocrisy," he said.
Schroeder stressed that good relations with Rosneft and with Russia as a whole are in the interests of Europe, and Germany will eventually benefit from them.
A journalist of Rheinische Post noted that Rosneft is under sanctions. Schroeder said in response that he was against them and that, in his opinion, they would eventually be lifted.
The former chancellor also confirmed that he and Putin are friends.
"Yes, we are, and will always be, I trust Vladimir Putin," he said.
Schroeder explained that the friendship implies the opportunity to share their opinions and express criticism, but only face to face.
From the point of view of Schroeder, the rapprochement between Russia and Germany is impossible without Putin. "Managing Russia is not an easy task, rather you should proceed from the fact that after Putin - it will not be better." One step to rapprochement could be the gradual lifting of sanctions" he explained.
The fact that Schroeder will head the board of directors of Rosneft became known in September. The former Chancellor, in a conversation with journalists, stated that he was very pleased with this appointment.