Germany seen worldwide in a positive light

Good marks for Germany: according to a survey conducted by the British broadcaster BBC, Germany’s reputation around the world is second to none. Over 26,000 people took part in the poll. They were asked to rate 16 countries and the European Union and say whether their influence was “mainly positive” or “mainly negative”. Some 59% viewed Germany’s influence as mainly positive. Canada and Britain took second and third place.

Randomly selected people in 25 countries took part in the survey, which was conducted for the BBC by GlobeScan and Pipa. Germany received a top rating in every country except Greece, where its influence was generally viewed as mainly negative.

The lowest ratings went to North Korea, Pakistan and – in bottom place – Iran.

external link, opens in new windowFurther Informationen on the BBC website

Last updated 23.05.2013

Explosive legacy

Paris, London, New York – it is often these world cities that spring to mind when people think about the Foreign Service. But for diplomats it is pretty likely that they will at some stage also be posted to places which at first might not seem especially attractive. Some posts can of course also be dangerous. Or perhaps it is unclear after a period of tumultuous change how things will develop. Our colleague Benjamin Hanna has been on a posting in Tripoli for almost a year now. He tells us about his work in a country which is dealing with the legacy of the Gaddafi regime in many different fields and trying to overcome it with Germany’s help.

“3, 2, 1...” – A gigantic fireball surges up a kilometre away. After two seconds, the wave of the blast hits our faces, our guide yells “down!”, we crouch on the floor of our shelter and wait until the air has cleared. What may sound like a scene from a Hollywood movie is actually part of Germany’s efforts to help Libya get rid of the weapon and ammunition stockpiles scattered across the country by its former leader Muammar Gaddafi.

As desk officer in the German Embassy, one of my remits is security policy. As well as reporting on central security questions in Libya, part of my job is to monitor Germany’s support programmes for the Libyan security sector. This also means I regularly get to see first hand the progress made on projects and assess what further support is needed.

Numerous mines and unexploded ordnance across the country

What Germany does is commission non governmental organizations to instruct and train Libyan partners in mine clearance and explosive ordnance disposal. Even after the end of the civil war in 2011, Libya is still littered with countless mines and unexploded ordnance which pose a major threat to civilians and regional security. In and around Tripoli airport alone, almost 10,000 anti personnel mines were cleared on behalf of the Federal Foreign Office. The Gaddafi regime had positioned these mines to defend itself against revolutionaries.

After the NATO operation began, Gaddafi’s soldiers cleared weapon depots and hid the weapons in non military areas. These areas are often guarded either badly or not at all meaning the lethal weapons could easily fall into the wrong hands. The imminent threat for civilians is just as serious. A pine forest just outside Tripoli is a popular picnic spot for Libyan families – even though, here too, there are ammunition remnants, grenades and bombs dotted around. The Federal Foreign Office has commissioned a German non governmental organization to work on gradually finding and defusing these and making preparations for their destruction.

The slightest mistake could be fatal

Back to the blasting site, a picturesque area of several hectares by the sea which Gaddafi’s troops used as a firing range. While the demolition experts get the next blast ready, the Libyans working on mine clearance tell me just how difficult their job really is. They need to search the ground centimetre by centimetre, the slightest mistake could be fatal. One of them tells me that several friends and members of his family lost their lives during the revolution. With his work, he wanted to do his bit for a free and safe Libya for future generations.

Libya has a long way to go before Gaddafi’s military legacy no longer poses a threat. But one thing for sure, at least no one will be hurt or harmed by the almost 1000 pieces of munition, missiles and grenades of various calibres – a net total of 340 kilos of explosive matter – destroyed today with Germany’s help.

Click here for more reports from our “On a diplomatic mission” series

Last updated 23.05.2013

Cross border cooperation

Germany and the Netherlands enjoy close relations based on mutual trust. The two countries are now meeting for their first joint consultations. Federal Chancellor Merkel is playing host to Prime Minister Mark Rutte of the Netherlands in the border town of Kleve, North Rhine Westphalia, on 23 May. The consultations which follow will bring together members of the two countries’ Cabinets, including German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle.

Speaking prior to the talks, Westerwelle highlighted the special relationship between Germany and the Netherlands. “Our countries,” he said, “are linked by a close knit network of first rate personal, economic and cultural ties.” He went on to describe cross border cooperation in the German Dutch part of Europe as setting an example to the whole continent. These two countries had moreover been working “side by side for a peaceful, united and prosperous Europe” for more than 60 years, he said.

In the Minister’s words, “this high degree of European consensus and coordination is visible, for example, in our joint stance on overcoming the European sovereign debt crisis.”

Germany and the Netherlands share similar viewpoints on a large number of European issues and liaise closely with one another. One example is their joint initiative on democracy, human rights and the rule of law, which will be an important topic during Westerwelle’s meeting with his Dutch counterpart, Frans Timmermans. Westerwelle and Timmermans are pulling together with the Danish and Finnish Foreign Ministers to improve protection of fundamental rights in the EU.

• No erosion of Europe’s values!

Last updated 23.05.2013

Consultations on Syria in Amman

On 22 May, Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle attended the meeting of the Core Group of the Friends of the Syrian People in Amman. The main aim of the meeting was to prepare the international conference recently proposed by Russia and the US to end the bloody conflict in Syria. The conference is to take place in Geneva during the next few weeks. Representatives of the Syrian opposition and the Assad regime are to come together for the first time there for direct talks.

Following the meeting of the Core Group Westerwelle stated, “In Amman we made progress towards implementing the US-Russian initiative for a Syria conference. I expect Russia to bring its influence to bear on Damascus so that the parties in Syria can enter into talks on the basis of the Geneva Communiqué.”

The Foreign Ministers taking part in the Amman meeting agreed that there could only be a political solution to the conflict in Syria. They categorically condemned the involvement of foreign combatants in Syria on the side of the Assad regime. “The civil war must be ended and a spill-over of the violence to the rest of the region and neighbouring countries prevented,” demanded Minister Westerwelle.

Seizing an important opportunity

Westerwelle called the agreement between Russia and the US on a joint proposal for a conference an important opportunity which had to be seized. “The fact that the Americans and the Russian side have agreed on such a joint initiative sends a strong message rejecting violence,” said the German Foreign Minister.

More on the conflict in Syria and Germany’s commitment to a political solution

• Syria: searching for ways to end the violence
• Joint statement of the Action Group for Syria, Amman, 22 May 2013 PDF | 34 KB
• Final Communiqué of the Action Group for Syria ("Geneva Communiqué), Geneva, 30 June 2012 PDF | 94 KB

Last updated 23.05.2013

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Global standards for the arms trade

On 22 May the Federal Cabinet approved the signing of the Arms Trade Treaty. By signing the Treaty at the earliest opportunity, Germany will be demonstrating its firm commitment to disarmament, non proliferation and arms control, Foreign Minister Westerwelle noted.

“The Arms Trade Treaty for the first time lays down internationally binding global standards,” Westerwelle explained following the Cabinet decision. For arms control as well as for the safety and protection of civilians throughout the world this was a huge step forward, he continued. Up till now there have been no internationally applicable standards for the trade in conventional arms. Consequently, so called small arms and light weapons in particular have proliferated unchecked, fuelling armed conflict and contributing to human rights violations and organized crime.

The General Assembly of the United Nations adopted the Arms Trade Treaty by a large majority on 2 April 2013. For the first time the Treaty lays down internationally binding rules and common minimum standards for arms exports. It covers battle tanks, armoured combat vehicles, large calibre artillery systems, combat aircraft and attack helicopters, warships, missiles and missile launchers as well as small arms and light weapons. Prior to exporting any of these items supplier countries must assess whether they could be used to seriously violate human rights or international humanitarian law.

Signing as early as possible

The Arms Trade Treaty will be open for signature at United Nations Headquarters in New York as of 3 June. Foreign Minister Westerwelle plans to sign on that very day. By signing the Treaty at the earliest opportunity, Germany will be demonstrating its firm commitment to disarmament, non proliferation and arms control, he noted. At the same time the Minister made clear that the German Government would have liked to see even stricter rules for controlling and limiting the arms trade, something which had proved beyond reach at the negotiations in New York.

The Treaty will enter into force as soon as 50 countries have ratified it. Speaking on 22 May, Westerwelle indicated that he was confident the Treaty would soon also receive Bundestag and Bundesrat approval as part of the process of ratification.

• Arms Trade Treaty: Milestone for more security

Last updated 22.05.2013

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Effectively combating piracy

On 16 May the German Bundestag voted to re extend the deployment of Bundeswehr troops in counter piracy operations with a majority of 310 in favour (206 against and 61 abstentions). Up to 1400 Bundeswehr service personnel may be deployed in the context of the EU led operation ATALANTA until 31 May at the latest. During the debate on 25 April Federal Foreign Minister Westerwelle described the improvements in the security situation which the operation achieved in the last year. He said that progress had also been made in pursuing the instigators and exposing their finances.

The operation, which was launched in 2008, aims to secure shipping carrying humanitarian aid, to provide effective protection against pirates and to combat piracy off the coast of Somalia. ATALANTA also guarantees logistic supplies for the African Union mission in Somalia (AMISOM), which is intended to further stabilize the country. The international efforts to date have had an impact: the number of piracy incidents has now fallen considerably; and the World Food Programme was able to deliver more than a million tonnes of food and other relief goods to Somalia. However, Somalia is not yet able to combat the piracy off its coast on its own.

Germany’s participation

On 23 March 2012, the Council of the European Union therefore decided to extend ATALANTA until 12 December 2014. Germany has been involved in the operation since the end of 2008 with Bundeswehr troops and at least one frigate or task force support vessel. This support remains necessary. Around 310 Germans are currently in the area aboard the frigate “Augsburg”. Germany’s contribution also includes a maritime patrol aircraft.

The deployment area is the Somali coastal areas and internal waters as well as the waters off the coast of Somalia and neighbouring countries. It also includes the airspace over these areas. German troops are allowed a maximum range of 2 000 metres to take action against the pirates’ logistics bases on the shore. However, they are not deployed for this purpose on the ground.

In the Bundestag debate on 25 April concerning the continuation of the mission, Foreign Minister Westerwelle thanked the service personnel involved for their successful deployment to date. He stressed that the extension of the mandate a year ago to enable the destruction of the pirates’ weapons and equipment onshore had proved to be successful.

Networked approach

The German Government and its partners in the EU are pursuing a networked approach to their engagement in Somalia. In 2011, the EU outlined its numerous military and civilian activities as well as the existing challenges in a Strategic Framework for the Horn of Africa. It includes elements such as ATALANTA, the EU led training mission for Somali soldiers (EUTM Somalia) in Uganda and the EUCAP NESTOR mission through which the EU is assisting states in the Horn of Africa to build up capacities to control their coastal areas.

In addition, extensive humanitarian aid has been provided. In Somalia, more than one million people are categorized as internally displaced, while many others also need emergency aid. In 2011 and 2012, the German Government made available a total of 35 million euros. Further assistance is planned. The German Government has used this funding to finance food aid, basic medical care in refugee camps and drinking water supplies. UN humanitarian supplies are protected by ATALANTA. Furthermore, Germany is funding a project for humanitarian mine and ordnance clearance in the country.

Taking action against those behind piracy

Westerwelle stressed in his Bundestag speech that the military deployment was embedded in an overall political strategy for Somalia. At the instigation of the German Government in particular, the task now was to “disrupt the bloody work of those behind piracy”. Progress had been made in this as well as in exposing the financial structures behind piracy.

Progress in building state structures

In this connection, the Foreign Minister pointed out the progress which had been made in reconstructing state structures in a country which was long considered to be a failed state. Since last September, the country had had a new President and since November there had been a government which had parliamentary approval. After a break of more than 20 years, Germany is now once again represented by an Ambassador accredited to the government. Westerwelle stated that not everything is good in Somalia but that the country was on the right path.

Together with partners from Europe and the rest of the world, Germany has been participating consistently in the EU led Operation ATALANTA off the Horn of Africa since December 2008. The basis for German involvement is the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, a UN Security Council mandate and a related decision by the EU Council. The Bundestag first approved Germany’s participation in the operation on 19 December 2008.

• Speech by Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle before the German Bundestag on the continued participation of German armed forces in the EU-led Operation Atalanta
• EU Council Decision of 23 March 2012 on the counter-piracy operation ATALANTA PDF | 88 KB
• EU Strategic Framework for the Horn of Africa, 14 November 2011 PDF | 155 KB

Last updated 17.05.2013

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Support for the Middle East peace process

Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle stopped off for talks in Israel and the Palestinian territories on the first leg of his trip to the Middle East and North Africa. The focus was on restarting the Middle East peace process. Other key issues included the situation in Syria and regional stability.

In Jerusalem on 17 May, Foreign Minister Westerwelle met with the Israeli President and Prime Minister, Shimon Peres and Benjamin Netanyahu, for an intensive exchange of views. He had previously held talks with other Government members in Tel Aviv. In addition to meeting the new Finance Minister, Yair Lapid, Westerwelle also spoke to Tzipi Livni, former Foreign Minister and now Justice Minister of Israel. Livni is the Israeli Government representative responsible for the Middle East peace process and talks with the Palestinians.

Help revive the Middle East peace process

The Minister’s talks in Israel – as later his appointments in Ramallah – focused on a single issue: reviving the Middle East peace process following the latest initiative presented by US Secretary of State John Kerry on behalf of the US Administration, which aims to restart direct talks between Israelis and Palestinians with the long-term goal of a two-state solution. Germany supports the efforts of the United States. In his talks with President Peres, Westerwelle stressed that the peace process was of great importance not only to the Israelis and Palestinians, but also to the entire world. He said:

Zusatzinformationen

We Germans strongly support the initiative launched by US Secretary of State John Kerry. Now is the time for us to discuss what specific actions we could take to help ensure that genuine use is made of the window of opportunity which is now opening.

Click here for more on the history of the Middle East conflict

Germany and Israel: Friends, not just strategic partners

In his talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Westerwelle underscored the special character of German-Israeli relations: “This is not just a strategic partnership,” he said. “It is a friendship.” Westerwelle assured his hosts that Germany would stand by Israel’s side, especially in these troubled times – referring to the current unrest and worrying developments in the region.

Noting that the present situation in the region was extremely difficult, Westerwelle picked out the Middle East peace process, the Iranian nuclear programme and the crisis in Syria as major challenges for Israeli security.

Creating a climate of trust

In Ramallah, Westerwelle met with Salam Fayyad, caretaker Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority. There too, his talks focused on efforts to restart the Middle East peace process. Another issue they discussed was inter-Palestinian reconciliation. On the sidelines of his visit to the West Bank, Foreign Minister Westerwelle issued the following statement on the unresolved conflict between Israelis and Palestinians and the new US initiative:

Germany wants to help ensure that this peace initiative can succeed. The most important thing is to make direct talks possible again. To that end we need a climate of trust, and that’s where Germany can help.

Westerwelle made it known that Germany was willing to provide classic diplomacy to support the process.

In the run-up to the visit, Foreign Minister Westerwelle had spoken on the telephone on 15 May to President Mahmoud Abbas, who briefed him at length on the Palestinian position regarding the current peace initiative launched by the US Administration under Barack Obama.

Foreign Minister Westerwelle travelled on to his next stop in Algeria on 18 May.

Last updated 17.05.2013

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Stepping up cooperation with Algeria

His trip to the Middle East and North Africa took Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle to Algiers on 18 and 19 May. There he met with the Algerian Prime Minister, Abdelmalek Sellal, and Foreign Minister Mourad Medelci. Westerwelle also exchanged views with young students and high potentials.

The political talks focused both on further deepening bilateral relations and on regional questions such as the conflict in Mali, the situation in the Sahel region, the Middle East peace process and the Syria crisis.

As the two Foreign Ministers announced after their meeting, Germany and Algeria want to deepen their bilateral cooperation above all in three areas. Firstly, they want to step up economic relations to benefit both sides, especially in the field of renewable energies. Secondly, Germany and Algeria are planning to cooperate more closely on culture and education. Thirdly, they want to step up foreign policy dialogue. The Ministers announced they have agreed to meet for foreign policy consultations at State Secretary level.

Constructive and intensive exchange

The Minister’s talks with Abdelmalek Sellal, Algeria’s Prime Minister, also focused on bilateral and regional issues as well as the domestic policy situation in Algeria.

Westerwelle underscored that relations with Algeria had become more intense, constructive and open meaning that also difficult questions such as the domestic situation and the investment climate could be discussed with Algerian partners. Turning to developments in the North African country, the Foreign Minister said:

Zusatzinformationen

Algeria is taking its own route which we are watching with interest. (…) We welcome and support reforms that lead to more democracy and the rule of law.

Westerwelle said Algeria was an important partner in the fight against international terrorism. He emphasized that it was in the security interest of both countries to work together to combat international terrorism. In the south of the country and in northern Mali, a safe haven for terrorists which could also endanger Europe must not be allowed to emerge.

Regional environment: Mali and Syria

With regard to the situation in Mali, the two sides agreed that the political process geared to reconciliation and dialogue needed more dynamism. They agreed the road map needed to be implemented. It is important that all regions partake of economic and social development, as Foreign Minister Westerwelle said summarizing the talks with his counterpart.

In the case of the Syria conflict, the two Foreign Ministers emphasized their agreement on the need for a political solution. “We support a political solution and will play our part to ensure the Syria conference can be a success.” Westerwelle went on to say that Germany expects all parties at the conference to be constructive and open to the endeavours to reach a political solution.

Since the start of the sweeping changes in the Arab world, Foreign Minister Westerwelle has travelled to North Africa ten times. His last trip to Algeria was in January 2012. His most recent talks with Foreign Minister Medelci were held in Berlin in March 2013.

Exchange of views with students and young potentials

On Sunday morning, Foreign Minister Westerwelle had an exchange of views with students and young potentials. This meeting focused on young people’s ideas about German Algerian relations and how they see the future. Many questions were directed at the German Foreign Minister on topics ranging from economic development, training and universities to the work of the Goethe Institut. The Algiers branch of the Goethe Institut was closed for a time in the 1990s but has been open again on a small scale since 2001. Its work focuses also on German language teaching.

According to estimates, more than a quarter of Algeria’s population is under 15 years old. Foreign Minister Westerwelle encouraged the young people to maintain the impatience that they expressed in the discussion. Germany and Algeria want to further extend academic and cultural exchange as Foreign Minister Westerwelle had agreed the day before in talks with his Algerian counterpart.

Last updated 18.05.2013

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Serbia and Kosovo: Seizing the chance for making progress

Germany supports the countries of the Western Balkans on their path towards the EU. There are still conflicts to be resolved, in particular between Serbia and Kosovo, which declared its independence in 2008 and has not yet been recognized by Serbia. On 19 April, Serbia and Kosovo concluded an agreement on nomalizing their relations which was facilitated by EU High Representative Catherine Ashton. And now Foreign Minister Westerwelle is visiting the region.

The Minister described his trip as “support for the efforts towards normalizing relations between Serbia and Kosovo”. According to Westerwelle, it is of key importance that Belgrade and Pristina seize the chance to achieve concrete progress and now agree on swift, effective and sustainable implementation of the agreement of 19 April. All stakeholders must realize that time is short. Words should now be followed by concrete deeds. That was also important for the next steps towards forging closer ties with the EU. In Belgrade he added that such historic opportunities did not come along often.

The first leg of the German Foreign Minister’s trip was Belgrade where he met Serbian President Tomislav Nikolić, Prime Minister Ivica Dačić, First Deputy Prime Minister Aleksander Vučić and his counterpart Ivan Mrkić. From there he travelled on to Pristina where he had talks with Hashim Thaçi, Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, and Foreign Minister Enver Hoxhaj.

The political dialogue is bearing fruit

The visit has been closely coordinated with Lady Asthon. Since October 2012, a high-level political dialogue facilitated by her has been taking place. It addressed the normalization of relations between Serbia and Kosovo, especially as regards the situation in Northern Kosovo and of the Kosovo-Serbian communities there. The agreement of 19 April is now to be followed by an implementation plan. Lady Asthon invited the Serbian and the Kosovo Prime Ministers to meet in Brussels on 21 April.

Both countries aim to join the EU

The talks in Belgrade and Pristina aimed to contribute to the hoped-for success of the EU High Representative’s efforts. During talks with Serbia’s Prime Minister Dačić, Westerwelle called his visit to Belgrade “a gesture of encouragement”. The long-term aim was to gradually end the Kosovo conflict so that the two countries could look to the future. Serbia is already an EU accession candidate. Progress in relations with Kosovo is a precondition for opening accession negotiations. Kosovo is striving to conclude a Stabilization and Association Agreement with the EU and to join the EU in the longer term.

More on Serbia (country profile)

More on Kosovo (country profile)

Photos of the trip from our photo gallery may be reproduced free of charge provided copyright is acknowledged.

• EU candidate country: Serbia
• EU prospects for Kosovo
• “Every country will be judged on its own merits”
• Supporting Serbia on its path towards the EU

Last updated 20.05.2013

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Green light for Croatia

The German Bundestag has cleared the way for Croatia to join the European Union. On 16 May, the parliamentarians unanimously approved the bill proposed by the German Government concerning the accession treaty. Foreign Minister Westerwelle spoke of a “historic turning point”.

“Croatia is historically and also culturally a deeply European country. Now it will become part of our political family, too,” said Westerwelle. Croatia’s forthcoming accession also shows, he added, that “Europe’s appeal is intact; Europe is not synonymous with crisis, and the prospect of joining Europe drives the motor of reform in our neighbourhood.”

Croatia is expected to join the EU on 1 July 2013, but all 27 EU countries must ratify the accession treaty. In Germany, the Bundesrat must also approve the treaty.

In recent years, Croatia has moved closer to the European Union step by step. As one of the first of the countries of the Western Balkans, it took part in the EU’s Stabilisation and Association Process starting in November 2000; in 2001 a Stabilisation and Association Agreement was concluded. In June 2004 the European Council granted Croatia official candidate status. In a January 2012 referendum, Croatians voted to join the European Union.

• EU enlargement: Croatia

Last updated 17.05.2013

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Talks in the Middle East and North Africa

In the Middle East and North Africa, developments have been dominated in recent years by acute crises and tumultuous change. Regular consultations with partners in the region thus remain important. On 16 May, Foreign Minister Westerwelle set off once more on a visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories to be followed by talks in Algeria.

Support for the Middle East peace process

On 17 May, Westerwelle is to meet President Shimon Peres in Jerusalem. Talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other members of the Government are also planned. The issues topping the agenda are renewed efforts for the Middle East peace process, the crisis in Syria and the Iranian nuclear programme. In Ramallah, Westerwelle is to meet with Salam Fayyad, caretaker Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority. Alongside the Middle East peace process, these talks are to focus on continuing state building in the Palestinian territories.

In the run up to the visit, Westerwelle spoke on the telephone on 15 May to President Mahmoud Abbas who briefed him at length on the Palestinian position regarding the current peace initiative launched by the US Administration under Barack Obama. Germany supports this initiative and will play its part to ensure direct peace talks can be relaunched.

You can find out more about Israel and the Palestinian territories here.

Next stop: Algeria

On 18 May, Foreign Minister Westerwelle is to travel on to Algeria, the Minister’s tenth trip to the region since the start of the sweeping changes in the Arab world. Westerwelle will be received by his Algerian counterpart Mourad Medelci, while more political talks with Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal are planned for Sunday. Alongside bilateral issues, the focus will be on the conflict in Mali.

Societies in the Arab world are on average very young and the same holds true for Algeria. So at the end of his visit, the Minister will meet with Algerian students to find out more about what the young people think, their hopes for the future and how they see German Algerian relations.

More information on each destination

Israel

Palestinian territories

Algeria

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Europaforum at the Federal Foreign Office

What will the EU look like in the future and what role will Germany play? These questions were the focus of the 16th WDR Europaforum on 15 May at the Federal Foreign Office attended by high ranking politicians from all across Europe. Talking to presenters Ulrich Deppendorf and Jörg Schönenborn, Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle said: “We Europeans belong together and need to stick together”.

In the current debt crisis, Westerwelle maintained it was wrong to just talk about the price of Europe – what counted was the value of Europe. For him, the continent is currently in a defining phase on three counts. Firstly, Europe’s future image in the world was being determined. The Minister emphasized that Europe must not react to global shifts by repatriating.

Secondly, Europe’s image amongst the citizens was being defined. Is Europe a forward looking continent that can tackle crises and act efficiently? The Minister believes we need to use the opportunities of the crisis to further develop and deepen Europe. We have to communicate that values forge a bond between people in Europe, the German Foreign Minister went on to say.

Remaining sensitive

Thirdly, Germany’s image in the world was now being defined. “Precisely because we are strong, we need to be particularly sensitive when (…) talking to our partners in Europe”. Westerwelle warned against “any form of Teutonic snobbery”: “Germany will not thrive in the long term unless Europe does”, as the Minister pointed out.

Finally, Westerwelle again sketched out Germany’s triad of European policy: budgetary consolidation, solidarity with European partners and growth policy, including improving competitiveness – a point also underscored by European Commission President José Manuel Barroso in his video message.

The 16th WDR Europaforum on 15 May 2013 in Berlin’s Federal Foreign Office was looking at the topic “Europe’s future! – European Germany or German Europe”. The high ranking guests included: Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel, Prime Minister of Luxembourg Jean Claude Juncker, President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz, EU Commissioner Günther Oettinger, British Minister of State for Europe David Lidington, Federal Finance Minister Wolfgang Schäuble and many more. You can follow the event via live stream on the Europaforum website.

Last updated 16.05.2013

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Westerwelle meets Foreign Minister of Nicaragua

Last updated 16.05.2013

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Open dialogue in a spirit of partnership

The German‑Russian Forum is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, occasion enough to take a look at the development of relations between the two countries and their future prospects.

Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle and his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, attended the Forum’s anniversary event at Berlin’s Altes Museum on 15 May. Germany’s Foreign Minister emphasized that “the partnership with Russia is of strategic interest to Germany”. He went on to say that Germany and Russia had much in common and must work on creating even closer ties and that this applied particularly to civil society connections. “Civil society,” he said, “is not confined by national borders”, adding that the German‑Russian Forum was a good example of such transnational efforts. Lavrov put it this way: “Our opportunities for cooperation are limitless.”

Relations between the two countries can withstand differences of opinion. In Germany, for example, there has been criticism of Russia’s recent NGO law. Westerwelle said that “Germany and Russia are holding an open dialogue in a spirit of partnership” and advocated a “social and economic European area” also including freedom of movement. Westerwelle reiterated that Germany was “committed to the long‑term goal of visa‑free travel in Europe”.

The two Foreign Ministers had beforehand signed an agreement at the Federal Foreign Office about the accommodation of the Russian Center of Science and Culture in Berlin and the Goethe‑Institut in Moscow, giving both institutions a solid foundation for the future.

The German‑Russian Forum, a civic initiative, promotes relations between the two countries. Its members and supporters include companies and public figures from all fields. The chairman of its board is Ernst‑Jörg von Studnitz, a former German Ambassador in Moscow. This year the Forum celebrates its 20th anniversary.

Last updated 15.05.2013

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“Germany is committed to Afghanistan”

The International Contact Group on Afghanistan and Pakistan convened in Berlin on 14 May. This group comprises more than 50 states and organizations. Topics of the meeting included good governance and the long term support of the international community for the continued stabilization of Afghanistan.

Federal Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle opened the discussions by conveying a clear message: “Germany is committed to Afghanistan and will continue its support after the ISAF mission comes to an end.” The ISAF combat forces and with them those of the Bundeswehr will withdraw completely from Afghanistan by the end of 2014. The task of the international troops will then shift to providing training, advice and support for the Afghan security forces, who are responsible for their country’s security.

On 18 April Germany was the first NATO state to outline parameters for its military presence in Afghanistan after 2014. The Federal Government is willing to provide a total of between 600 and 800 Bundeswehr soldiers for the new training, advisory and support mission for an initial period of two years starting in 2015. Moreover, Germany will make available 150 million euros annually to help finance the Afghan security forces.

Consolidating progress

The Afghan Deputy Foreign Minister Jawed Ludin emphasized that the aim was now to safeguard and consolidate the joint achievements of the last 12 years. Westerwelle and his Afghan colleague also called to mind the victims of the operation. Three Georgian soldiers were killed on the day of the Contact Group’s meeting. Westerwelle stated that the long conflict had claimed the lives of many people from Afghanistan and other nations. He then went on to say: “But we will not be deterred. It may still be some time before lasting peace in Afghanistan is attained.”

Mutual commitments

German support for a peaceful Afghanistan is taking an increasingly civilian form. At an international conference in Tokyo in July 2012, Germany pledged to provide an annual sum of up to 430 million euros for reconstruction and development in Afghanistan. Westerwelle emphasized, “Germany will fulfil its obligations”. He underlined that the commitments were, of course, mutual. For example, he underscored the importance of respecting the rights of women and minorities in the country, holding free elections, fighting corruption and creating economic opportunities for all Afghans.

The International Contact Group was formed in 2009. Germany coordinates the group and chairs the meetings. The conference in Berlin was therefore headed by the Special Representative of the Federal Government for Afghanistan and Pakistan, Ambassador Michael Koch. The new US Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, Ambassador James Dobbins, is attending for the first time. Other issues on the agenda include the preparation of the Afghan presidential elections due to be held in 2014, deeper regional cooperation and the political process of inner Afghan reconciliation.

• Speech by Federal Foreign Minister Westerwelle at the opening of the meeting of the  International Contact Group on Afghanistan and Pakistan in Berlin
  
• Progress report on Afghanistan
• What next in Afghanistan?

Last updated 14.05.2013

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Franco-German signal to Croatia

Today, State Minister Michael Link and his French counterpart Thierry Repentin are to set off for Croatia. The talks during the first joint visit by Link and Repentin are to focus on the country’s forthcoming accession to the EU.

As Link and his French colleague Repentin emphasized in Paris on 10 May, this first joint trip to Croatia is to send a positive signal just a few weeks before the country’s accession to the EU. The Franco‑German trip was to illustrate how two countries that waged war in the past were able to work side by side today, Repentin said at the start of the trip.

Eurocampus Zagreb to serve as a model

The first event was a visit to the German and the French schools in Zagreb in the morning. The two schools are so‑called international schools. The German International School and its French counterpart, the École française de Zagreb, together form the external link, opens in new windowEurocampus Zagreb. Here pupils from 20 countries learn together every day. Following his visit to the school and his talks with teachers, parents’ representatives and the young people themselves, Link put it in a nutshell saying: “The Eurocampus must serve as a model”.

Sending a positive signal

In the afternoon, the two Commissioners continued their political talks. The two Commissioners for Franco‑German Cooperation were received by both Croatia’s President Ivo Josipović and First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Vesna Pusić. Link commended the country’s efforts stating that Croatia had to fulfill especially hard conditions on its path towards accession. He added that Croatia was aware that further reforms were still needed after 1 July and emphasized Croatia’s accession is groundbreaking for the region:

Zusatzinformationen

Croatia serves as a bridge‑builder in the region.

• Croatia

Last updated 13.05.2013

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Germany supports training of journalists in Jordan

The Federal Foreign Office is providing support for the training of Jordanian journalists at the Jordan Media Institute (JMI).This cooperation project initiated jointly by the German Ambassador in Amman, Ralph Tarraf, and the head of the JMI, Princess Rym Ali, has just kicked off and will extend over a total period of three months.

Fifteen Jordanian investigative news journalists will take part in this first German cooperation project with the JMI. Initially, they will take part in a week long theory workshop providing them with information and skills to better enable them to report on human rights issues and particularly on corruption cases.

The workshop is intended, inter alia, to make the journalists better acquainted with their rights, provide them with knowledge on what kind of research methods are legal and how they can make use of legal safeguards for their work. At the same time, instructors will explain to them what forms journalistic reporting on the human rights situation in Jordan can take, what research opportunities are at hand and what the best journalistic methods are for reporting on particular cases.

Knowledge transfer and practical exercises go hand in hand

The theory modules will afterwards be complemented by journalistic exercises in order to practically apply the methods learned. During the training, participants will prepare four separate pieces with the support of the instructors which will then be analysed together.

The project is thus making a contribution towards fostering the right to access information, among other things. It is funded by the Federal Foreign Office with some 12,000 euro.

When introducing the project, Ambassador Tarraf emphasized his hope that this initial cooperation will be followed by similar projects. Currently, the possibility of cooperation between the JMI and Deutsche Welle is being explored.

Last updated 10.05.2013

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Small arms control: Federal Foreign Office intensifies cooperation with the Arab League

Small arms cause more casualties than any other type of weapon. They aggravate conflicts and hinder development –  also in the Middle East.

This is why Germany is intensifying its cooperation with the Arab League to bring these arms – which pose a threat also to the civilian population – under control. The Federal Foreign Office and the Arab League are co-hosting a groundbreaking conference in this connection, which will take place in Cairo on 13 and 14 May 2013. As well as addressing the traditionally important area of small arms control, the conference will for the first time conduct an in-depth debate on confidence- and security-building measures in the region.

The participants will include top Cairo-based officials of the Arab League, distinguished experts, diplomats and representatives of civil society as well as military personnel and government officials from Germany and the Arab world.

The Federal Foreign Office has provided funding in the order of 50,000 euros. The conference is also important in the context of the quest to make the Middle East a zone free of weapons of mass destruction.

Opening Speech by Ambassador Nikel, Federal Commissioner for Disarmament and Arms Control

• Small arms and light weapons
• The Arab League

Last updated 13.05.2013

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Germany Year in Brazil kicks off

It has finally arrived. The Germany Year in Brazil, which has been under preparation for quite some time, kicked off with several highlights: Brazil’s President Dilma Rousseff and Germany’s President Joachim Gauck together opened the German-Brazilian Economic Forum in São Paulo on 13 and 14 May. The focus will be on competitiveness. On those same days, the young German and Brazilian musicians of the “Young Euro Classic Orchester Brasilien Deutschland” played in the Brazilian business capital’s Theatro Municipal.

Numerous events in various cities around Brazil will follow. Whether it be a poetry slam or a Bauhaus exhibition, a mobile cultural Institute run by the Goethe-Institut or themes such as urbanism, sport, science and energy – Germany wants to show its most interesting sides. At the same time, the aim is to inspire and support each other. That is why the motto of Germany Year in Brazil is “Where ideas connect”.

Here you can read a message from the German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle, Chairman of the BDI Brazil Board Stefan Zoller and Goethe-Institut President Klaus-Dieter Lehmann to mark the launch of the series of events.

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Germany is visiting Brazil. With its vibrancy, creativity and cultural diversity, Brazil is a highly inspirational partner which has also proven its excellence in the spheres of business and science. The motto “Where ideas connect” exemplifies the determination of Germany and Brazil to tackle the challenges of the future together. This motto stands for learning from and being inspired by each other, benefiting from one another and providing mutual support, learning all about the interests of the other side and pursuing common interests together. Germany and Brazil are partners in the world. During the coming months, we will make the close cooperation between our two countries even more visible, launch new cooperation ventures and intensify existing ones. From May 2013 onwards, Germany and Brazil are celebrating a festival of ideas with the aim of shaping the future together.

Above all, we want to encourage you to find out more about us. The close relations between Germany and Brazil have a long tradition. We know how we Germans are often seen abroad, also in Brazil. We are regarded as industrious, hard-working and disciplined people who, for example, are especially good at building machines. And, admittedly, there are 1600 companies with a German background in Brazil which provide 250,000 jobs and account for 17 per cent of industrial GDP. However, we would like to broaden this image. For we Germans also love the fine arts and life’s pleasures. We learn from others, and we especially enjoy learning from Brazil.

Brazil has much more to offer than the usual stereotypes of samba, beach and sun. Excellent universities, cultural institutes and companies, engineers and businesspeople, intellectuals and artists all bear witness to the high standards in this country. We are expanding our partnership with Brazil and bringing Germany and Brazil’s best brains together in joint research projects in order to guarantee the long-term economic clout and prosperity of both sides. We are particularly pleased with the many thousands of Brazilian students who will be studying at German universities in the coming years, the businesspeople and artists who will all be Brazil’s competent and eloquent ambassadors in Germany.

We cordially invite you to take a fresh look at our country in the heart of Europe. Following the idea of a 360° image of Germany, we have prepared a broad range of topics from the spheres of politics, business, culture, education, science, sustainable development and sport for you. Take advantage of what is on offer during the Germany Year and allow yourselves to be enthralled and inspired. On the following pages you will learn more about the mobile cultural institute and its “KulturTour” through Brazil, about the major Bauhaus exhibition, the innovation trade fair “Ecogerma/Future Visions”, the Science Tunnel and the German economic forums throughout the country.

We are delighted that you are interested in our country.

“Germany + Brazil 2013-2014” is an initiative of the Federal Foreign Office. The project sponsors are the Federation of German Industries (BDI), the Goethe-Institut (GI), the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The premium partners are Allianz, BASF, BMW, Bosch, Lanxess, Mercedes-Benz, Siemens and VW. On the Brazilian side, the initiative is supported by the Ministério da Cultura Governo Federal Brasil, the Prefeitura de São Paulo Cultura, the Serviço Social do Comércio no Estado de São Paulo (SESC São Paulo) and the Confederação Nacional da Indústria (CNI).

external link, opens in new windowClick here to visit the "Germany + Brazil 2013-2014" website 2013-2014".

• Germany Year in Brazil – programme for the opening week (German/Portuguese) PDF | 4 MB

Last updated 10.05.2014

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German Polish Russian talks

The Foreign Ministers of Germany, Poland and Russia – Guido Westerwelle, Radosław Sikorski and Sergey Lavrov – met for trilateral consultations in Warsaw on 10 May. It was the third time the three Ministers had engaged in a meeting of this kind.

Their talks addressed topical issues of cooperation between the three countries as well as matters on the international agenda, such as the conflict in Syria. A number of agreements were also concluded which are intended to further deepen relations. There is, for example, to be a meeting of experts in Berlin to develop joint ideas for strengthening cooperation on disarmament and arms control.

Westerwelle declared that he and his fellow Foreign Ministers agreed that this was an “age in which arms control and disarmament are particularly important”. He said it was “commendable” to have decided to use the NATO Russia framework to continue work on destroying old munitions in the Kaliningrad area. Positive conclusions, he said, had also been reached with respect to local cross border traffic in the Kaliningrad region.

Support for the young – interconnections for civil society

The Foreign Ministers went on to highlight their shared interest in promoting youth exchange and bringing about more collaboration in the academic sphere. The goal, as summarized by Minister Westerwelle, was to generate greater ties between civil society in the three partner countries.

Alongside trilateral matters, the three Foreign Ministers’ conversation also turned to such global issues as the conflict in Syria. For the next meeting, in 2014, Foreign Minister Lavrov has invited his counterparts to St Petersburg.

Presentation of the German Polish Prize

After the trilateral consultations, Foreign Ministers Sikorski and Westerwelle awarded the German Polish Prize. This year’s Prize went to the Foundation for Polish German Reconciliation and was also awarded posthumously to Dr Albrecht Lempp, who was head of the Foundation for German Polish Cooperation for many years, in recognition of his life’s work.

In his speech to present the award, Minister Westerwelle congratulated both laureates and praised the late Albrecht Lempp for his work building trust in the German Polish relationship and his courage in pursuing visionary aims. The Minister pointed out that German Polish friendship was driven by “personalities for whose example and honest, tireless efforts we have good reason to be thankful”.

The German Polish Prize is awarded to honour outstanding services to the development of German Polish relations, in accordance with Article 35 of the German Polish Treaty of 17 June 1991 on Good Neighbourliness, Friendship and Cooperation. A list of previous laureates is available here.

Last updated 10.05.2013

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Germany helps with treatment of gravely injured Syrians

Out of the more than 30 gravely injured Syrians who are currently being treated in Germany, 10 have been admitted to the Berlin Bundeswehr hospital. Three weeks after the humanitarian assistance measure started, Federal Government Commissioner for Human Rights Markus Löning yesterday visited the hospital and talked to some of the patients.

One of them is Eitham Al Abud. The man from Deraa was seriously wounded during the hostilities last summer. Since he would have lost his arm had he been treated in Syria, he is receiving medical attention in Germany. Markus Löning was told that the man was recovering well. Al Abud thanked Germany for its help, saying that to his mind this was a humane gesture, as well as his doctors at the hospital who were taking such good care of him.

Dr Wolfgang Titius, the hospital’s Chief Surgeon, stressed that the Bundeswehr had the necessary expertise to treat the most serious injuries and that the recovery of the injured Syrians was going very well. Since psychosocial care was also an important factor, the support of the Syrian community in Berlin was crucial, he went on to say. Professor Alexander Rübig, Dr Titius’ deputy, added that cooperation with the volunteers was excellent, both in terms of language and on cultural issues.

Input by the Syrian community

The Syrian community’s representative, Pelican Mourad, explained to the Human Rights Commissioner what concrete form the community’s assistance takes: two or three volunteers were on the ground round the clock, she said, so that someone was always available for talks or communication with the doctors. Moreover, the community was preparing typically Syrian meals and collecting money, thus enabling the patients to call their families or buy cigarettes.

By talking to Al Abud and other injured Syrians, Markus Löning learnt first-hand about developments on the ground and the deteriorating supply situation. He stressed repeatedly that it was important to improve medical care in the country in order to be able to give people better treatment locally.

Al Abud hopes to rejoin his family in Syria soon. In his hospital room, he only keeps his personal belongings about him: a few books, his mobile phones, which he uses to stay in touch with his wife and his four sons, and the flag of the Syrian opposition. He told Mr Löning that he hopes to return to Germany as a tourist after the end of the war in Syria in order to get to know the country better.

• Syria: searching for ways to end the violence

Last updated 08.05.2013

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