This is my second week as Foreign Minister. It is fair to say, I had the opportunity to hit the ground running.

And the EU AU Ministerial is a special highlight on my agenda for so many reasons.

Because I am a fervent multilateralist.

Because here I can strengthen so many long-standing partnerships and build new ones, too.

Because in a more multipolar and unstable world, characterized by geopolitical rivalries and competition, Africa and Europe are what I would call “important and neighbouring centers of gravity”.

Together, we can make a difference.

And when it comes to peace and security, we need to make a difference together. Peace and security is under threat - globally, in Europe and in Africa.

I see three important points how we should not only react but act:

First, joining forces. We are affected by each other’s challenges and we can only tackle them together.

EU and AU together make 40% of UN votes. I want to strengthen our peace and security partnership to defend the international rules-based order.

The principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity are attacked in Europe, in Africa and elsewhere.

We are not only neighbors. But we are also natural allies in our joint commitment to multilateralism, to democracy and to peace and security.

Second, reforming our peace and security instruments to make them fit for the future.

Germany supports the “Ezulwini consensus”, the AU position on UN Security Council reform. Soon, every 5th person on the planet will be African. 70 % of UNSC files concern Africa. It is clear: Africa needs permanent representation at the horseshoe table.

The “Pact for the Future”, co-facilitated with our Namibian friends, shows that we can deliver if we work together.

Germany showcased its commitment towards an effective, just and inclusive peace and security architecture by hosting the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial in Berlin last week, where I saw many of you.

And we are ready to take on more responsibility. This is why we are a candidate for the UN Security Council in 2027/28. And for me this candidature is a top priority! Once elected, we want to continue forging “African-led solutions to African problems”.

Third, investing more. I know this is going against the current trend of disengagement and “doing less with less”.

But let me say: “The more you spend on peace, the less you spend on war”.

Germany is thus the second largest contributor to the UN system and the largest to the AU. The EU, through the European Peace Facility (EPF), has earmarked more than one billion euros for Africa since 2021.

One thing is clear: we also need to invest more in our security here in Europe. And I also encourage AU member states to do the same when it comes to the African Peace and Security Infrastructure.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Security, freedom and prosperity are at the core of German Foreign Policy.

They go hand in hand. And they are also the guiding principles for the partnerships we want to build with our African neighbors and friends. I am looking forward to our discussions today!