Enlarge image
Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (Greens)
Photo: Kay Nietfeld / dpa
In view of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has pledged greater support to the Baltic states of Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania.
"We are ready to do even more to ensure the security of our partners," said the Green politician on Wednesday before she left for a three-day trip to the Baltic states of Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania.
Baerbock did not give details, but emphasized: "In an emergency, we will defend every square centimeter of our common alliance area." The Bundeswehr in Lithuania already has the leading role in the NATO presence.
Baerbock wanted to meet her counterpart Edgars Rinkevics in the Latvian capital Riga.
A meeting with Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins was also planned.
In the afternoon, the minister wanted to take part in consultations with Rinkevic's three Baltic foreign ministers, Eva-Maria Liimets (Estonia) and Gabrielius Landsbergis (Lithuania).
»So that our partners can rely on Germany«
She wanted to make it clear on her trip: "Germany is taking the new realities into account, with all consistency." The federal government is resolutely supporting Ukraine in its fight for survival, with weapons, financial support and other tough sanctions against the power base of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
In addition, you strengthen your own defensiveness and make your contribution to the reorientation of security in Europe.
"So that our partners can rely on Germany," stressed Baerbock.
The minister explained that Germany could learn a lot from Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania about defensiveness.
For years, the Baltic States have been investing in energy security, IT infrastructure, media resilience and defense capabilities.
In the Baltic States, people have been looking intensely and with concern towards Russia for years.
"I would like to listen carefully to your experiences and insights," emphasized the minister.
Baerbock accused Putin of paying no attention to human life, international law, or the life and development opportunities of his own people.
"In doing so, he also destroyed large parts of the European security architecture that we have built on over the past few decades, and which was also a guarantee of security for our Eastern European friends in particular."
col/dpa