OREANDA-NEWS. German Chancellor Angela Merkel has congratulated Mikhail Gorbachev on his 90th birthday. «I am happy to take this opportunity to thank you once again for your personal contribution to the peaceful overcoming of the Cold War, as well as to the final reunification of Germany», reads the message of congratulations received by the DW on Tuesday, March 2.

Residents of Germany continue to remember Gorbachev's «important contribution» to the peaceful unification of Germany, as well as his «constant personal initiative aimed at maintaining friendly relations between our two countries», Merkel said. «Today you can look at your life's work with pride», she stressed, addressing it to the hero of the day.

The head of the German government wished Gorbachev good luck and, «first of all, health and personal well-being».

Earlier, the former President of the USSR was congratulated by the President of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier. «Your courageous deeds as a sign of peace and freedom are not forgotten in Germany. With your political actions, as well as your trust in a united Germany, you have made a decisive contribution to the peaceful overcoming of the division of the European continent», Steinmeier said.