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Foreign Policy

Germany Foreign Policy Basics

At the outset of the 21st century, the basic framework of German foreign policy has changed fundamentally and continues to change. Germany’s foreign policy is oriented towards the aims of maintaining freedom, peace and prosperity, promoting democracy, developing respect for human rights all over the world, fostering sustainable development in all countries of the southern hemisphere and safeguarding the future of the global community.

Recent Headlines

Steinmeier Urges Peaceful Solution, Supports Call for Recount in Kenya

"Kenya is at the crossroads. Either the political opponents will together find a peaceful and constitutional solution to the crisis or the stability achieved in recent years will be squandered."

German Government to help Palestinan people

Over the next three years the German government will be contributing 200 million euros to economic reconstruction efforts in the Palestinian territories, Federal Development Minister Heidemarie Wieczorek-Zeul announced in Paris.
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Foreign Minister Steinmeier on the outcome of the Climate Change Conference in Bali

"I am delighted that the delegates at the Climate Change Conference in Bali managed to reach agreement after difficult negotiations. The fact that all key states, in particular the US and China, are on board is a great success”, Steinmeier said in his statement on the outcome in Bali.

Cabinet Approves Extension of Bundeswehr Deployment in Enduring Freedom

The German government has decided to extend the participation of the German Armed Forces in Operation Enduring Freedom for another 12 months. The deployment mainly helps to eliminate areas where terrorists seek refuge and has a stabilizing influence on the countries around the Horn of Africa.

Cabinet Decides on Deployment of Armed Forces in Sudan

The participation of German forces in the UN peace mission in southern Sudan (UNMIS) will be extended by a year. In addition, German forces will be engaged in the UNAMID operation in the western region of Darfur.

Foreign Minister Steinmeier “Deeply Concerned” About Developments in Pakistan

“I hope that the constitutional order will be restored as quickly as possible. We attach great importance to civilian government, respect for the principle of the separation of powers and an independent judiciary, as well as freedom of the press.”

Steinmeier in Middle East — Security for Israel and a Viable Palestine

Positive developments in the Middle East peace process and support for the upcoming Middle East conference in the US were at the center of Foreign Minister Steinmeier's talks in Israel and the Palestinian territories this week.
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Chancellor Merkel in India to Further Research, Economic Relations

The launch of the “Science Express,” a traveling exhibition highlighting German-Indian cooperation, in New Delhi also symbolizes Chancellor Merkel’s aim to intensify German relations with research-rich India and to expand business relations.

Foreign Minister Steinmeier Condemns Deadly Attacks in Pakistan

“The brutality of this vile act fills us with abhorrence,” Steinmeier said of the attack in Karachi, which claimed more than 150 lives. “It stems from the utterly unjustifiable desire to destroy Pakistan's democracy. This must be combated with determination.”

Germany and Russia Work on Expanding Cooperation

Though economic collaboration makes up the centerpiece of German-Russian cooperation, the two countries need to work on expanding their collaboration in other areas, Chancellor Merkel and President Putin said in Wiesbaden.

German Armed Forces to Remain in Afghanistan

The German Armed Forces will remain in Afghanistan, after a broad majority in the Bundestag voted in favor of extending the mandate. Ensuring security is crucial to the success of civilian reconstruction, Foreign Minister Steinmeier said.

Germany Mourns the Deaths of Three Security Officers in Afghanistan

Three German federal police officers were killed Wednesday morning not far from the Afghan capital Kabul. Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed her deep condolences to the families.

Foreign Minister Steinmeier on the attack in Afghanistan

“I was deeply saddened and shocked to learn today of the deaths of three employees at the German Embassy in Kabul,” Foreign Minister Steinmeier said on the recent lethal attack in Afghanistan.

Publication on International Humanitarian Law Marks 100th Anniversary of Peace Conference

Published on the 100th anniversary of the 1907 Second International Peace Conference, “Documents on International Humanitarian Law” brings together, in German and English, documents on international law dating from 1856 up to 2005.

German Government Steadfastly Holding Course in Afghanistan

The German government is sticking to its Afghanistan strategy in spite of the hostage taking, Chancellor Merkel said after meeting with UN Special Envoy to Afghanistan Koenigs. That long-term commitment involves a combination of military and civilian assistance.

Germany Welcomes US Commitment & Resolve in Middle East Peace Process

The German Government welcomes US President George Bush’s recent statements on his commitment and resolve to remain engaged in the Middle East peace process, State Secretary Ulrich Wilhelm, government spokesperson, said on July 17.

Steinmeier Welcomes North Korea's Shutdown of Nuclear Reactor

"Now it is crucial that further steps follow," Foreign Minister Steinmeier said of the shutdown, confirmed by IAEA inspectors. "We expect North Korea to disclose its nuclear programs and to return to the international non-proliferation regime."

EU Foreign Ministers Meet with Israeli FM Livni, Assure President Abbas of Their Full Support

EU Foreign Ministers called upon the European Commission to take the necessary steps as quickly as possible in order to strengthen the emergency government led by the independent Prime Minister Salam Fayyad but also to continue humanitarian aid, projects in Gaza Strip.

Statement of the Middle East Quartet

In a telephone call on June 15, Quartet Principals shared their deep concern over the welfare and security of all Palestinians -- especially those in Gaza, whose lives have been most seriously affected by the ongoing crisis.

EU Presidency Statement on the Situation in the Palestinian Territories

The EU Presidency condemns in the strongest possible terms the violent seizure of power by illegal Hamas militia in the Gaza Strip. It condemns the killing of innocent civilians and members of the legal security forces.

Middle East Quartet Issues Statement After Meeting in Berlin

The Middle East Quartet, consisting of the UN, the EU, the US and the Russian Federation, reconvened in Berlin on May 30. Foreign Minister Steinmeier invited the Quartet members to Berlin in view of the very tense situation in the Middle East at present. (Statement PDF)

Foreign Minister Steinmeier in Afghanistan and Pakistan

Foreign Minister Steinmeier went on a three-day trip to Afghanistan and Pakistan. Talks in the two countries were focusing on current international and regional issues, as well as regional cooperation and support for the stabilization and reconstruction process in Afghanistan.

Commitment to Afghanistan Mission Reiterated After Death of Soldiers

While they mourned the casualties and condemned the suicide bomb attack in Kunduz, leaders reiterated the commitment of Germany’s Armed Forces to supporting the stabilization and reconstruction of Afghanistan.

Transfer of Digitized Records From Holocaust Archive Approved

Digital copies of records from the Holocaust archives of the International Tracing Service can be transferred to member states before all 11 countries have formally approved the opening of the archives to researchers, the International Commission has agreed.

Proposal: Put IAEA in Charge of Special Area With a Commercial Uranium Enrichment Plant

Germany has submitted a proposal to the IAEA on the multilateralization of the fuel cycle designed to ensure that all interested states have access to nuclear fuel for energy generation, while reducing the risk of proliferation of nuclear weapons.

EU Welcomes International Compact with Iraq

The EU is ready to continue to develop a close co-operation and partnership with Iraq in accordance with the priorities indicated in the International Compact and Iraq's National Development Strategy.

Iran -- Foreign Ministers Call for Negotiated Solution

New Security Council resolution "reflects the international community's profound concerns over Iran's nuclear program," the foreign ministers of China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom and United States, with the support of the EU high representative, said in a statement.
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Bundestag Approves Reconnaissance Tornadoes for Afghanistan

With a comfortable majority, the German Bundestag approved the deployment of German reconnaissance Tornadoes to Afghanistan. The reconnaissance mission is to provide enhanced protection for military personnel and the Afghan civilian population.
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