Today (9 February) Federal Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier expressed his condolences for the suffering caused by the devastating wildfires in southern Australia in a telegram to his Australian counterpart Stephen Smith. The text reads as follows:

”We were shocked and saddened to receive the terrible news of the severe bushfires that have destroyed entire settlements and areas in the South of your country and claimed so many victims in the process. I would like to express my sincere condolences to you and the Australian people, also on behalf of my fellow Germans.

At this difficult time, our thoughts are with the families and friends of the victims and all those who lost everything they owned in the bushfires.“