DHAKA: Russia is key to ensuring European security, German chancellor Angela Merkel said Thursday as she marked a quarter century of reconciliation with neighbouring Poland.

‘We are aware that Europe’s security can only be ensured, in the medium and long term, with Russia,’ Merkel said at a ceremony with Polish prime minister Ewa Kopacz in the southern Polish town of Krzyzowa.

‘The sanctions are not a goal in themselves. They are applied only when necessary,’ Merkel said, in reference to sanctions on Russia over the conflict in Ukraine, reports The Straits Times.

‘We want to proceed with dialogue with Russia.’

BDST: 2011 HRS, NOV 20, 2014