My second trip to Poland as Foreign Minister will take me to the former German concentration and extermination camp Auschwitz-Birkenau. Auschwitz is a permanent reminder for me to stand up for the inviolable dignity of human beings throughout the world, both personally and politically.

We have to keep alive the memory of the unspeakable atrocities committed there, also for future generations. I am therefore particularly pleased that young German diplomatic and consular service trainees are accompanying me today and that we will have the chance to talk to Polish and German young people during our visit.

These days, Poland is not just a neighbour for us but a valued friend and an important partner in Europe. We maintain close and intensive dialogue. That is also the aim of today’s meeting with my Polish colleague Jacek Czaputowicz.