Germany's Wadephul sees alignment with US on Ukraine despite wrinkles
"In many issues, as we were able to ascertain again today, we share the same interests and goals - for example, when it comes to a sustainable peace for Ukraine," the conservative politician said after his inaugural visit with his US counterpart Marco Rubio in Washington on Wednesday.
He had earlier exchanged views with Rubio for about 15 minutes in private and then for another 30 minutes together with the delegation.
"We both want an immediate ceasefire. This has been repeatedly stressed," said Wadephul. "And that is why we agreed today that we will closely coordinate the next steps so that [Russian President] Valdimir Putin finally comes to the negotiating table, so that Russia finally enters into serious negotiations." It was important to maintain the pressure, Wadephul said.
Wadephul wanted to advocate for a trans-Atlantic alliance in dealing with Putin and other current crises during his meeting with Rubio, given the ongoing Russian attacks on Ukraine.
Wadephul's trip also served as preparation for a visit to the US by Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Merz has announced his intention to travel to Washington shortly and meet with Trump.
Challenging short trip
It was probably the most challenging inaugural trip for the new German foreign minister so far. The US is Germany's most important partner outside the EU. However, the trans-Atlantic relationship is not without tension. US President Donald Trump and his administration are considered unpredictable.
Wadephul sees "mature, viable partnership"
Wadephul highlighted the close trans-Atlantic ties with the US and their efforts to combat Nazi terror and to promote German reunification.
"Especially in challenging times, this common foundation is central," he said. "This is also true when we have different perspectives, when we occasionally have disagreements."
US-German relations "are close," he said, adding: "You can also deal with each other clearly and confidently. That is part of a mature, viable partnership."
Little time for Wadephul and no joint appearance
There was no joint appearance by Wadephul and Rubio in front of journalists, as has been usual with Rubio recently. This is likely to be quite different during the visit Merz is aiming for with Trump in the Oval Office of the White House.
Wadephul had problems meeting other high-ranking politicians besides his counterpart during the inaugural trip to the US capital, which was requested immediately after taking office - such as members of the Senate, as is often customary on such trips.
On Wednesday morning, the German minister met with representatives of US think tanks.
Wadephul has intensive contact with Rubio
Despite important appointments in Berlin - such as a Cabinet meeting, the visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, or the first meeting of the new coalition committee - Wadephul nevertheless decided on the one-day short trip.
He was likely hoping to expand contact with his US counterpart, who is considered a close ally of Trump.
Rubio has recently also become the interim national security advisoer to the president, bringing him even closer to him. The former senator loyally represents his boss' line, presenting himself as an uncompromising hardliner.
For the first time since taking office, Wadephul and Rubio exchanged views personally in mid-May at an informal meeting of NATO foreign ministers in the Turkish city of Antalya, with telephone contacts having occurred more frequently.
It was said that a constructive and productive atmosphere prevailed.
Birthday gift for football fan Rubio
The fact that Rubio only had about 45 minutes for Wadephul - including the obligatory photo session at the beginning - may also be due to Rubio celebrating his 54th birthday on Wednesday.
Wadephul brought football fan Rubio a framed poster as a gift, depicting a game by his favourite football team, the Miami Dolphins, against the Kansas City Chiefs on November 5, 2023, which took place as part of the NFL-Frankfurt Games.
Commemoration of Jewish attack victims
In the afternoon, Wadephul laid two roses at the Jewish Museum in Washington in memory of the two Jewish victims of an attack on May 21. A representative of the Israeli embassy in Washington was also present.
The couple, employees of the Israeli embassy in the US capital, were shot dead when leaving an event at the museum, apparently for anti-Semitic reasons.
Meeting at Organization of American States
Subsequently, the minister was briefed by Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS) Albert Ramdin on the work of the organization.
Founded in 1948 and to which all states of the Americas belong, the OAS has its headquarters in Washington. The goals of the OAS include securing peace and stability, strengthening democracy, and promoting press and freedom of expression.
Wadephul then planned to visit Arlington National Cemetery.
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