Australia and Germany Strengthen Strategic Cooperation in Defence and Foreign Policy Talks
Australia is expanding and diversifying its international partnerships amid what Foreign Minister Penny Wong described as a “rapidly changing and increasingly contested world.”
In a recent high-level meeting, Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles and Foreign Minister Penny Wong met with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and Defence Minister Boris Pistorius. The discussions marked the first joint meeting between the two countries’ foreign and defence ministers since 2021.
The talks focused on strengthening resilience against misinformation and disinformation across both regions, as well as enhancing cooperation on protecting global rules, norms, and institutions through new multilateral consultation mechanisms between Australia and Germany.
A key priority highlighted during the meeting was securing and diversifying critical minerals supply chains, an increasingly strategic area for both nations amid global economic and security shifts.
The ministers also agreed to deepen defence cooperation, reflecting shared concerns about regional stability. Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region while safeguarding national security.
Wong emphasised that closer collaboration with like-minded partners such as Germany is essential to addressing global challenges and ensuring long-term stability.
Source: Foreign Minister Penny Wong/Media
