Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul is visiting Japan and Indonesia against the backdrop of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and China's aggressive actions in the South China Sea.

This Monday, the CDU politician plans to meet with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, and several ministers responsible for economic affairs in the Japanese capital Tokyo. He also plans to deliver a speech at a peace foundation.

According to a German government spokesperson, the visits will include security in the Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic regions, economic security with a focus on critical raw materials, and other bilateral issues. On Tuesday, the minister plans to visit the World Expo in Osaka. In Indonesia, a meeting with Foreign Minister Sugiono is scheduled for Wednesday. Wadephul will be accompanied by members of the Bundestag and business representatives.

Strategic partners for trade and security

Japan and Indonesia play a key role in expanding Germany's strategic partnerships, the German Foreign Ministry spokesperson said. The countries share Germany's interest in preserving the international regulatory framework for trade and security and in a joint commitment to multilateralism. Furthermore, they are important partners in expanding and diversifying trade relations and supply chains – also to reduce critical dependencies worldwide.