The Goethe-Institut branches in 100 countries are our embassies for German language and culture in the world. I would like to pay tribute to this at Goethe-Institut headquarters in this, its 75^th anniversary year, and at the same time make clear that in these uncertain times we need to promote our country more intensively than ever. Offering language lessons, showcasing German culture and engaging in cultural cooperation with host countries can be powerful instruments to enable us to convey a positive image of Germany, an image of Germany we can use to attract ambitious people to our country. After all, these are the very people we need for a productive and economically strong Germany. More than ever before, all foreign policy actors need to pull in one direction as Team Germany to make this happen.

This Team Germany is also my focus when I attend the meeting of the Bavarian Cabinet following an invitation from Minister-President Söder. The Federal Foreign Office works around the world for Germany. In this work, we do not just represent the interests of the Federal Government but also, of course, the interests of all Germany’s Länder and all our people. Securing our prosperity is a major priority. For me, the Federal Foreign Office is thus a foreign trade ministry that supports our companies worldwide.

Entrepreneurs from Bavaria often accompany me on my trips and I am impressed by their global-mindedness and their innovative strength, qualities that form the backbone of the German economy. Just last week, Isar Aerospace showed that the sky’s the limit for Bavaria. With the first commercial launch to reach orbit from continental Europe, this Bavarian company is making an important contribution to European space sovereignty. Last week’s state visit by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan showed the impact economic diplomacy can have, with the United Arab Emirates pledging investment in Germany’s future to the tune of 40 billion euro – a quarter of which is destined for Bavaria. This creates and secures jobs here in Germany.

Germany’s commitment in a world of wars and crises is the focus of my trip to the human rights capital – to Geneva, with meetings at the United Nations and humanitarian organisations. In times when human rights are under increasing pressure around the world, we want to strengthen the UN organisations and mechanisms that put people at the heart of our action. That is why Germany is applying for a seat on the UN Human Rights Council. During my visit, I will also meet with the heads of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The Red Cross is providing humanitarian assistance at the front lines of our world, in places to which others often have no access. Under the most difficult conditions, the WHO is combating outbreaks of disease, currently focusing particularly on Ebola. The global need for humanitarian assistance is increasing with funding dropping in parallel. I want to use my trip to underscore that Germany remains committed. Humanitarian assistance is essential, it saves lives, alleviates suffering at its roots and thus reduces the causes of displacement. Humanitarian assistance is thus not only a humanitarian imperative, it also furthers the security interests of our country.