The German Defense Minister announces Berlin’s readiness to protect peace and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. He described the war in the Middle East as an economic disaster.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said on Thursday during a visit to Australia that Germany is willing to help secure any peace in the Middle East once a ceasefire is reached in the war between the US, Israel and Iran. TASR informs about it according to the DPA agency and ABC television.
- Germany is ready to help maintain peace in the Middle East.
- Germany will not discuss involvement without an armistice.
- Pistorius draws attention to the economic effects of war.
“This war is a disaster for the world economies. Its impact is already … absolutely obvious,” Pistorius warned during a meeting with his Australian counterpart Richard Marles in Canberra.
“We are ready to ensure any kind of peace. If we get to the point where a truce is concluded, then we will discuss any kind of operation to ensure peace, and especially to ensure freedom of navigation,” declared the German minister, emphasizing the Strait of Hormuz.
He calls for maintaining sanctions against Russia
He added that the US and Israel did not talk to Germany about this conflict before it started, and Berlin does not want to “be drawn into it”. He also emphasized that a diplomatic solution is needed as soon as possible. At the same time, Pistorius called on countries in the world not to relax sanctions against Russia during the war in the Middle East. According to him, they should not allow Russian President Vladimir Putin to take advantage of the current situation in this region.
Marles confirmed that Australia supports peace and de-conflict efforts, as well as efforts to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. Ministers also announced that Berlin and Canberra had signed a defense agreement that will facilitate the work of members of the Australian Armed Forces in Germany and vice versa, and a space defense cooperation pact.
Pistorius highlighted the relationship between the two countries, especially at a time when “reliability, honesty and predictability” are waning in the world. Partnerships with like-minded countries such as Australia are more important than ever, the German minister added.
