Mikhail Gorbachev and Helmut Kohl Signed Photograph.

GORBACHEV, Mikhail and Helmut Kohl.

Item Number: 123600

Rare black and white photograph of Mikhail Gorbachev shaking hands with West German Chancellor Helmut Kohl. Signed by both beside their image. In fine condition.

Like previous Soviet leaders, Gorbachev was interested in improving relations with the UK, France, and West Germany and pulling Western Europe away from U.S. influence. Calling for greater pan-European co-operation, he publicly spoke of a "Common European Home" and of a Europe "from the Atlantic to the Urals". In April 1989 he visited London, lunching with Elizabeth II, and in May of that same year visited France. The West German Chancellor, Helmut Kohl, had initially offended Gorbachev by comparing him to Nazi propagandist Joseph Goebbels, although later informally apologized and in October 1988 visited Moscow, and in June 1989, Gorbachev visited Kohl in West Germany.