When the Federal Government signed the Coalition Treaty, on this day exactly one year ago, we agreed to put Africa’s global importance at the core of our foreign policy.

My assignment was clear: I would have to strengthen our bonds.

Within my first two weeks in office, I therefore met and spoke with nearly half of your Foreign Ministers. And it quickly made me realise that we need both:
an “Africa policy” as well as “Africa policies”.

We are strong believers in Africa’s ambitions to unite and stand strong against the geopolitical turbulences of our time, which is why we have always supported the African Union and continue to do so.

Because a successful “Africa policy” is essential for German and European foreign and security policy.

In addition, we need “Africa policies”: Each of your 54 African countries is unique.

Each is connected to us via an individual partnership that deserves specific attention.

This also became visible in April, when we had what one could almost call a wonderful “African month” in Germany.

Here in Berlin, we celebrated 30 years of the Binational Commission with South Africa. We co-hosted the international Sudan Conference, together with the AU and other partners. Chancellor Merz and I met with the Chairperson of the African Union Commission. Last week in New York, I met with the permanent representatives of the African Group.

And just a few days ago, I returned from my first visit to Morocco. My legs are still sore from the match we played against the young female Moroccan football team. And clearly it doesn’t matter who the winner was. But once again I realised: As foreign minister of Germany, you are always also a football diplomat.

However, my job is of course more than that.

Early in our tenure, Minister of State Serap Güler and I decided that Africa will be one of her key priorities. This is why she visited Sudan as the first European politician since the war broke out. Minister of State Güler and I want to work towards an end to this terrible war and support the Sudanese people in the best way possible.

It is a promising achievement that, in the aftermath of the Sudan Conference, we finalised a political declaration – the “Berlin Principles” – signed by all regional actors with influence over the conflict parties.

Last week, I had the honour to speak at the UN Security Council. Under the topic of Maritime Security, we discussed the impacts of the war in Iran. Impacts we all can feel in our countries.

The impact of the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz on the global economy. The impact of the shortage of oil and fertilisers that could have horrible consequences for already vulnerable regions around the world.

We are convinced that we now need the cooperation of the international community to alleviate the war’s consequences more than ever before.

Rest assured: Germany will continue to speak up for African interests on the international stage.

Because we choose cooperation over confrontation. A principle that may seem almost outdated in today’s world - but one that is all the more essential.

This was my strong impression in New York last week, where I met with representatives of many of your countries.

I was there to advocate for Germany’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.

It may seem contradictory to some at a time when many speak of the erosion of the rules-based international order – why would Germany campaign for stronger engagement in the UN?

But this is not a contradiction. It is a necessity.

Because the troubling aspect of this erosion is not merely that it is happening, but that it reflects a deeper truth: The rules-based international order within the UN does not adequately represent today’s geopolitical realities. For me, this is one of the key issues.

It is one of the reasons why I agreed with the Chairperson of the AU Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, on a strategic dialogue when I was in Addis Ababa in January. We want to use this dialogue to discuss foreign policy issues that are of mutual interest and concern.

Africa is a centre of gravity and shapes discussions of global governance.

And African states and institutions will take over more global responsibility.

We support African demands for reform of global governance.

Modern multilateralism must reflect today’s realities.

That is why Germany advocated for the African Union to become a full member of the G20 and supported South Africa’s role at the G20 table. And that is why, in New York, I actively advocated for two permanent and five non-permanent seats for our African partners.

A legitimate international order that delivers for all is only just if all can see themselves reflected in it – with both their responsibilities and their rights.

Around 70 percent of the Security Council’s agenda concerns Africa, and by 2050, one in five people worldwide will be African.

Supporting the Ezulwini Consensus is a matter of fairness and respect.

A united Europe and Africa can be a powerful force – together representing over 40 percent of votes in the UN General Assembly.

This unity became visible at the last AU-EU Summit in Luanda.

That is why it is important for us to work together – to build partnerships in which we stand side by side.

And to overcome global challenges which affect both our continents.
This also entails the strengthening of our economic partnership with your countries.

Our vision is clear: We want to boost trade, drive investment, and strengthen regional integration. We want diversification of supply chains, local added value, closer cooperation on critical raw materials, and fewer trade barriers.

Because I firmly believe that investing in regional free trade is a long-term investment in peace and security.

Regional integration and the reduction of non-tariff barriers are key. That is why Germany is the largest bilateral donor to the African Continental Free Trade Area and a longstanding supporter of regional economic communities.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Excellencies,

Germany is present all across the African continent, promoting exchange through our 45 missions, our Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the Goethe-Institutes, GIZ, Deutsche Welle, foundations, and the German Academic Exchange Service DAAD.

I said in the beginning that the Federal Government puts Africa’s global importance at the core of our foreign policy.

Celebrating this Africa Day and the 63^rd anniversary of the founding of the Organization of African Unity with you today therefore almost feels like coming full circle.

I am especially glad that we are hosting this celebration together - here at the Federal Foreign Office, which is not only at the core but also at the heart of our foreign policy - and our Africa policies!

Thank you.