Horst Seehofer, Prime Minister of Bavaria and leader of Germany’s Christian Social Union (CSU), believes that it is impossible to grapple with modern-day challenges without Russia’s help, RIA Novosti reported.

He made the remarks during the CSU congress which kicked off in the city of Munich on Saturday.

“The truth is that acting without Russia or against it, we cannot resolve the conflicts of our time. We have long adhered to this position,” he said.

Additionally, he called for “looking at reality based on a realpolitik stance.”

“We will not be able to resolve many [international] hot-button issues without Russia,” Seehofer pointed out.

At the same time, he noted that his remarks do not call into question the cooperation between Germany and the United States.

He added that he plans to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin during his visit to Moscow, which is scheduled for 2016.

Part of the Bundestag’s ruling coalition, the CSU party currently acts in alliance with the Christian Democratic Union party led by Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Seehofer has repeatedly criticized Merkel in connection with her migration policy.