The Western Balkans is part of our European family. It is therefore clear to us that we will accompany the six countries in the region on their path towards the EU.

The Berlin Process is the catalyst in the EU accession process of the Western Balkan countries. This mechanism is more important than ever. After all, people are beginning to lose confidence that they will be part of the EU in the near future. We cannot afford to let that happen because we would then run the risk of a return to the old days of hostility and a bigger role for Russia and China.

At the same time, the Berlin Process is also about fostering day-to-day cooperation and achieving tangible improvements in people’s lives – whether it be through cross-border youth work, freedom of travel or the mutual recognition of qualifications.

Of course, in some cases there is still a long way to go – especially when it comes to reconciliation. For that reason, too, the location our British friends and hosts have chosen for this year’s Foreign Ministers’ Meeting is of special importance: Belfast symbolises how reconciliation became possible after decades of social division. Not overnight. But with patience, political will and, above all, the courage of many people to reach out to each other time and again in difficult circumstances.

The situation in the Middle East continues to demand our attention this week. There is finally hope for the families of the hostages and for the people of Gaza. Hope of ending the nightmare of the last two years. Hope of a life in dignity, freedom and safety. In these hours and days of diplomacy, it is important to work together and take action. That is why I will be travelling on from Belfast to Paris where, at the invitation of my French colleague, a meeting attended by ministers from European as well as Arab and other Muslim states will take place.

Many countries are prepared to work to ensure that the US peace plan succeeds and that the hope for peace quickly becomes reality. To achieve this, Gaza must not be allowed to pose any further danger to Israel, and that means ensuring that people in the Gaza Strip are not only provided with urgent humanitarian assistance but, above all, political and economic prospects for the future. Internationally, Germany is a sought-after partner when it comes to humanitarian assistance, stabilisation and reconstruction. We stand ready to make our contribution together with our international partners. We will coordinate this and further steps in Paris.