Frank-Walter Steinmeier promises stability of Germany’s foreign policy after the elections

German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier Photo: Getty Images

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has assured the international community that Berlin’s foreign policy will remain stable regardless of the outcome of the early parliamentary elections scheduled for 23 February. This was reported by the DPA news agency.

“We are all looking forward to the election results, but one thing will remain the same: this is the compass of our foreign policy,” Steinmeier said on Tuesday during a New Year’s reception for the diplomatic corps at his official residence, the Bellevue Palace.

Foreign policy priorities

The German President stressed that even after the Bundestag elections, the basic principles of the country’s foreign policy would remain unchanged. Among the priorities Steinmeier named:

  • commitment to the European course;
  • a close transatlantic partnership with the United States;
  • active participation in the work of the UN;
  • responsibility to Israel.

“We meet each other with respect. This is my hope and expectation for the next four years, because we will continue to need each other,” Steinmeier said, speaking about relations between Germany and the United States.

Responding to NATO’s challenges

Without directly mentioning Donald Trump, the German president responded to the US president-elect’s call for increased defence spending. Steinmeier stressed that Germany is aware of its obligations to NATO and is ready to invest more in common security.

Diplomatic reception

Around 130 ambassadors and diplomatic representatives attended the New Year’s Eve meeting at the Palais Bellevue. President Steinmeier took the opportunity to reiterate Germany’s commitment to international partnerships and the principles of mutual respect in global relations.

НОВИНИ