Germany is willing to shoulder more international responsibility. That is one of the reasons why we submit a candidature for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council every eight years. With this timetable, candidatures which coincide with those of close partners and friends cannot be avoided. However, we do not campaign against other partners but emphasise our own aims and values which also include our friendship with Israel.

The decision now taken by the Government in Jerusalem is for us a further incentive to work in the Security Council to promote the interests and the security of our Israeli friends. This includes the right to present a candidature for every seat and position in the UN system. We will continue to lend strong support to Israeli candidatures in the United Nations system and to promote Israel’s full integration into the Group of Western European and other States (WEOG) at all United Nations locations.

The friendship with Israel is one of the foundation stones of our policy. This is a conviction we will also feed into the Security Council.