"I wish you energy, productivity and good fortune – everything that a man in your position needs," Steinmeier told Medvedev on the first of a four-day trip through Russia.

In a speech at the Urals State University in the industrial city of Yekaterinburg, the foreign minister outlined the possibilities for a partnership in which the two could work together to modernize Russia.

An indispensable partner

Russia is and will remain an indispensable partner for Germany and the EU, including in the political shaping of the world of tomorrow, Steinmeier emphasized, hinting at possible subjects to be discussed in the coming days.

The foreign minister heads to Moscow Thursday, where the focus of a two-day meeting with President Medvedev will focus on the relationship of Russia to both Germany and the EU. Also on the docket are the escalating conflict between Russia and Georgia and the anticipated further course of action in regards to the conflict over Iran's nuclear program.

And in a signal of continuing cooperation, Medvedev on Wednesday announced a visit to Germany in June, his first trip as president to a European country.