Merz Stresses Foreign Policy's Growing Importance to German Ambassadors

Merz Emphasizes Importance of Foreign Policy at Ambassadors' Conference BERLIN, GERMANY - In a rare move, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz addressed the annual meeting of all 230 German ambassadors from around the world in Berlin on Monday. The gathering marked a significant moment for foreign policy under Merz's leadership, with the chancellor emphasizing its importance in today's global landscape. According to Martin Giese, spokesperson for Federal Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, this was the first time a federal chancellor had attended the conference since 2000, when Gerhard Schröder was in office. "The world has changed dramatically over the past quarter century," Giese noted. Merz's appearance at the gathering and his keynote speech on the future significance of German foreign policy sent a clear message about the government's priorities. In his address, Merz highlighted the need for Germany to take a more active role in international affairs, stating that "Germany is no longer an island." He emphasized the importance of maintaining strong relationships with European partners and other nations. The chancellor also met with the ambassadors for a background discussion, which was seen as unusual but welcomed by many. The conference comes at a time when Germany's foreign policy is facing increased scrutiny. Critics argue that Merz's government has been slow to respond to global challenges, while supporters see his emphasis on foreign policy as a positive step forward. "It's about time we took our responsibilities seriously," said Hans-Joachim Fuchtel, a senior member of the CDU. "We need to work closely with our allies and engage more actively in international affairs." Merz's speech was seen as a departure from his predecessor's approach to foreign policy. Angela Merkel's government had faced criticism for its handling of several high-profile diplomatic incidents, including the Nord Stream 2 pipeline dispute with the United States. The conference will continue over the next few days, with ambassadors discussing key issues and challenges facing Germany in the international arena. Merz's emphasis on foreign policy is expected to have a lasting impact on Germany's global relations and its role in shaping international affairs. Background: Germany's foreign policy has been under scrutiny in recent years, with critics arguing that the country has become increasingly isolated on the world stage. The government has faced challenges in navigating complex relationships with European partners, the United States, and other nations. Additional Perspectives: "Merz is taking a more assertive approach to foreign policy, which is welcome," said Thomas Kleine-Brockmann, a former German ambassador to the United Kingdom. "The chancellor's emphasis on foreign policy is a positive step forward, but we need to see concrete actions and policies to back it up," added Ursula von der Leyen, a senior member of the European Parliament. Current Status: Merz's speech and meeting with ambassadors marked a significant moment in Germany's foreign policy under his leadership. The conference will continue over the next few days, with ambassadors discussing key issues and challenges facing Germany in the international arena. *Reporting by Dw.*