Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (CDU) said that he aims to strengthen partnerships during his upcoming trip to the Indo‑Pacific region. “The region is strategically decisive for Germany and Europe in many ways” he told reporters on Sunday before departing. “Whether in Berlin or Brussels, we feel the economic dynamism and innovative power of this future region, and we also notice the geo‑economic and security challenges that many countries there face – both of which influence us as well”.
“When I visit all five countries, we share a common interest in maintaining a stable international order and in supporting multilateralism” Wadephul added. “We stand together for clear rules in the international community when under pressure-whether in Europe or in the Indo‑Pacific”. He highlighted that events such as those in the Taiwan Strait or the South China Sea have worldwide implications.
“The Indo‑Pacific is a region with key partners, especially as we look to broaden our sourcing of strategically important raw materials, reduce dependencies in critical areas, and diversify supply chains overall” Wadephul said. He emphasized that expanding economic ties based on free trade, competition and fairness is in the mutual interest of all parties. “For a large exporting economy like Germany’s, this is of paramount importance – and also for emerging partners within ASEAN” he added. “In the Indo‑Pacific, the security of open sea routes, global supply chains and thus the global economic development depends decisively on these relationships”.
During his visit, Wadephul will stop in Singapore, New Zealand, Tonga, Australia and Brunei.