On Thursday, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (CDU) announced that Germany and Australia plan to deepen cooperation on security and climate issues. During a meeting in Canberra, the ministers discussed the challenges posed by a changing geopolitical environment and pledged to strengthen ties between Europe and the Indo‑Pacific region.
In a joint statement, they reaffirmed their commitment to uphold the rules of the international system, protect peace and economic prosperity, and promote sustainable development, civil society, gender equality, responsible governance, and human rights. The declaration highlighted a firm commitment to a multilateral, rules‑based trading system centered on the World Trade Organization, and the support for negotiations on a free‑trade agreement between Australia and the European Union.
The two countries also outlined plans to broaden their partnership in renewable energy and critical minerals. They welcomed progress in developing hydrogen supply chains and creating new trade corridors linking Australia with Europe. Wong and Wadephul underscored the importance of multilateral cooperation in maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.