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FOREIGN POLICY
FOREIGN POLICY
Civil Policy-Shaping Power ∙
Committed to Peace and Security ∙ Advocate of European Integration ∙
Protection of Human Rights ∙ Sustainable Development
INSIGHT
CIVIL POLICY-SHAPING POWER
On the international stage, Germany enjoys
with France in the European Union (EU), firm
a very broad network of close contacts. It
roots in the community of values shaped by
maintains diplomatic relations with almost
the transatlantic alliance with the USA, sup-
200 countries and is a member of all the im-
port of the right of Israel to exist, active and
portant multilateral organisations and in-
committed involvement in the United Na-
formal international coordination groups
tions (UN) and the Council of Europe, as well
such as the “Group of Seven” (G7) and the
as the strengthening of the European secur-
“Group of Twenty ” (G20). Dr. Frank-Walter
ity structure through the OSCE.
Steinmeier (SPD) has been Federal Foreign
Minister since 2013, having previously held
Together with its partners, Germany pro-
the office from 2005 until 2009. The Federal
motes peace, security, democracy, and hu-
Foreign Office, which is based in Berlin, has
man rights all over the world. Alongside
around 11,230 staff members. In total, Ger-
crisis prevention, disarmament, and arms
many maintains 227 missions abroad.
control, the broad notion of security promulgated by Germany embraces sustainable
The primary objective of German foreign
economic, ecological, and social aspects.
policy is to ensure peace and security in the
These include a globalisation that offers op-
world. The basic premises on which it is based
portunities for everyone, cross-border envi-
include the nation’s full integration into the
ronmental and climate protection, dialogue
structures of multilateral cooperation. In
between cultures, and openness towards
concrete terms this means: close partnership
guests and immigrants.