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Trip to Europe’s neighbours: Foreign Minister Wadephul travels to Kenya and Ethiopia
Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul in talks with the Kenyan Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Musalia W. Mudavadi © Photothek Media Lab
Germany and our neighbouring continent Africa are closely linked not only in geographical terms. Read on to find out what the key issues will be on the Foreign Minister’s trip to Kenya and Ethiopia.
The world is changing rapidly. It is therefore more important than ever that we expand our relations with key global partners. As a neighbouring continent, Africa is of particular importance in this regard. Developments on the African continent have a direct impact on Europe – whether it be in terms of security, economic development, migration or climate action. A close partnership with African countries is thus of central importance for stability, prosperity and security in our common neighbourhood.
Prior to his departure, Foreign Minister Wadephul stressed:
The sea routes off the coasts of East Africa are one of the major arteries of world trade. The region around the Horn of Africa is of particular strategic importance. My first trip to the African continent as Foreign Minister will therefore take me to Kenya and Ethiopia.
Kenya: Close partner and anchor of stability in the region
The first stop on the trip is Nairobi, where, in addition to political talks with his counterpart Musalia Mudavadi and Kenya’s President William Ruto, Foreign Minister Wadephul will meet members of the business community and representatives of civil society. At the training centre of a medium-sized German company in Nairobi, the focus will be on the training of skilled workers and joint cooperation programmes. A visit to the International Peace Support Training Centre is also planned.
Commenting on this, Foreign Minister Wadephul said:
Kenya is our closest partner in the region and a true pillar of stability. In a region plagued by crises, Kenya plays a crucial mediating role – as it has in the past, for example, in eastern Congo and South Sudan. Kenya is also a major troop contributor to the African Union mission in Somalia.
Onwards to Addis Ababa: Regional peace and joint cooperation
In Addis Ababa, Foreign Minister Wadephul will talk about the situation in the country and the region with his Ethiopian counterpart Gedion Timothewos. Economic issues will also be on the agenda: the Foreign Minister will, among other things, discuss prospects for economic cooperation with the CEO of Ethiopia’s largest airline. The Foreign Minister will be accompanied by a business delegation on his trip.
Foreign Minister Wadephul emphasised the following in this regard:
Ethiopia bears crucial responsibility for peace and stability in the Horn of Africa. The situation in Tigray and relations with Eritrea remain tense. With my visit, I want to encourage efforts to find solutions for a peaceful balance of interests.
Commitment to multilateralism: Focus on the African Union
Addis Ababa is the seat of the African Union. Germany is committed to strong partnerships with African countries with a view to promoting peace and security, creating economic prospects and jointly strengthening the rules-based international order. That is why the visit to the African Union, high-level talks and an exchange with Permanent Representatives of the African Union’s member states are also on the agenda.
Foreign Minister Wadephul stated prior to his departure:
In a multipolar world, Africa is increasingly emerging as a centre of gravity. We therefore also want to further expand our cooperation with the African Union. We are united in our commitment to a rules-based international order and cooperation in which multilateral solutions are considered preferable to nations going it alone.