MOSCOW, May 6 (RIA Novosti) – It is a titanic task to rule such a huge country as Russia, German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder said.

"Russia has always seemed somewhat surprising to me. I have always been deeply impressed with the scale of this enormous state, which extends over two continents, from Europe to the extremity of Asia. And I have considered Russia as a great political power," Shroeder told the Bild newspaper in a joint interview with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The Chancellor mentioned that when a youth, he had learnt much about Russia, "its history, culture and its contribution into the European culture, patriotism and devout piety of people living there. What sank into my mind is the image of a huge country with a great variety of peoples and languages and rich natural resources."

"Simultaneously, a question arises, how is it possible to rule such a vast country and maintain its integrity? I do not envy those who have to solve such a titanic task. This is why I respect President Putin so much," the German leader concluded.