Germany's new FM: Strengthening ties with EU "high on agenda"

BRUSSELS, Dec 9 (KUNA) -- The newly appointed German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock Thursday expressed her determination to strengthen relations with the European Union and support the Union to become a stronger global player.
"It is not a coincidence that I come here to Brussels on the first day of my office as I come here truly European by heart and as a foreign minister of a truly European government in Germany," she told reporters after a meeting with EU High Representative Josep Borrell. "Our common understanding is that a common European policy is more than 27 foreign policies by 27 European states because the future of my country is forever embedded in a common European destiny," she stressed.
Baerbock said in the meeting they discussed different topics such as more integration in Europe, a common strategic understanding of a future Europe and the future of the European Union. They discussed the challenges ahead as well as topics where European countries differ.
"Bigger and smaller problems are there but we must not forget the incredible success story of our EU in the past and we want to build this in the future," she said.
On his part, Borell expressed his pleasure over the German foreign minister's visit to Brussels just one day after taking up her post.
"It shows the importance that you and the German government attach to the EU and to the European foreign and security policy," he said.
In the meeting, the German foreign minister explained her priorities and the pro-European foreign policy of the German government, he said.
Borell said he is keen to work with the new German government to strengthen the EU's external action for the EU to become a more credible global actor.
Among the topics they discussed included the Russian military build-up at the border with Ukraine, China, Iran, Belarus, Western Balkans and climate diplomacy, he noted. Baerbock is to meet NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg later today. (end) nk.gta