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New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Germany, France and EU praise Malaysia's role in brokering Thailand-Cambodia ceasefire
KUALA LUMPUR: Germany, France and the European Union (EU) have expressed appreciation to Malaysia for its pivotal role in brokering the ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia, describing it as a key breakthrough in the region's ongoing border tensions. Germany's government spokesman Stefan Kornelius, said Chancellor Friedrich Merz personally conveyed his gratitude to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during a phone call on Monday. Merz praised the strength of bilateral ties, describing Malaysia as an important partner for Germany in the region, both in its role as the Asean chair and through longstanding bilateral relations. Both leaders, he said, agreed to strengthen economic cooperation between the two nations. Yesterday, Cambodia and Thailand agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire amid the ongoing border conflict. Anwar announced the agreement following a special meeting involving Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, with Anwar serving as host and Asean Chair. Meanwhile, France also commended Anwar's mediation efforts under the Asean chairmanship, and reaffirmed its support for the centrality of the bloc in resolving regional disputes. In a statement by its foreign ministry, France welcomed the announcement of the ceasefire and a resumption of dialogue between Cambodia and Thailand following the meeting in Malaysia. They added that the ceasefire must be the starting point for a lasting settlement through peaceful means, in accordance with international law. "France reiterates its willingness to contribute to international efforts, particularly those of Asean, in this regard," read the statement. European Commission vice-president and EU foreign affairs chief, Kaja Kallas, thanked Malaysia as the Asean chair for facilitating the negotiation process. "The ceasefire agreement between Cambodia and Thailand is a major breakthrough after days of deadly clashes. It's vital both countries implement it in good faith," she said in a post on social media platform X. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also commended Anwar's leadership in brokering the immediate and unconditional ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia. The Southeast Asian neighbours have been locked in their bloodiest conflict in years over the dispute, with at least 34 people confirmed dead and more than 200,000 displaced.
LBCI
7 days ago
- Politics
- LBCI
Germany says no plans to recognize a Palestinian state 'in short term'
Germany said Friday it had "no plans to recognize a Palestinian state in the short term" after President Emmanuel Macron said France was intending to make such a move in September. "The government continues to regard the recognition of a Palestinian state as one of the final steps on the path to achieving a two-state solution," spokesman Stefan Kornelius said in a statement, adding that "Israel's security is of paramount importance to the German government." AFP
Local Germany
7 days ago
- Politics
- Local Germany
Germany says no plans to recognise Palestine 'in short term'
"The government continues to regard the recognition of a Palestinian state as one of the final steps on the path to achieving a two-state solution," spokesman Stefan Kornelius said in a statement, adding that "Israel's security is of paramount importance to the German government". Macron provoked an angry reaction from Israel when he announced on Thursday that his country would formally recognise a Palestinian state during a UN meeting in September. The move came amid growing international alarm about the plight of the more than two million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, where Israel's war on Hamas has triggered a dire humanitarian crisis and warnings of mass starvation. Germany, long at pains to atone for the Holocaust, has been a strong ally of Israel and a supporter of its war against Hamas sparked by the October 7th, 2023 attack, though it has voiced criticism over the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza. Germany was not among the 28 Western countries that made a joint statement this week saying the war in Gaza "must end now" as civilian suffering had "reached new depths". Berlin on Friday laid out four priorities where it said "long-overdue progress" was needed to end the war in Gaza. "A ceasefire is needed in Gaza now," the statement said, also calling for the release of all hostages. "Israel must immediately and drastically improve the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza," it added. FACT CHECK: Do new German citizens have to affirm Israel's right to exist? Advertisement It stressed that "a viable political perspective for Gaza is necessary so that a temporary ceasefire can become a lasting peace" and that "there must be no further steps toward annexation of the West Bank". "The German government is in constant contact with the Israeli government and international partners on this issue. It is prepared to increase pressure if progress is not made." German Chancellor Friedrich Merz was due to hold a phone call on Friday with Macron and Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss the crisis in Gaza.
Qatar Tribune
24-07-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Turkey to receive Eurofighter jets after Germany, UK agreements
dpa Berlin/Istanbul The German government has cleared the way for the export of Eurofighter Typhoon jets to Turkey, removing a key obstacle to a major arms deal involving the United Kingdom. German government spokesman Stefan Kornelius confirmed in Berlin on Wednesday that the Defence Ministry has sent written authorization to Ankara. The Turkish government must now decide whether to proceed with the order, he said. The move follows an earlier announcement on Wednesday by the UK and Turkey, which signed a letter of intent to advance a potential deal for the sale of 40 Eurofighters. The jets are assembled in Britain as part of a multinational consortium involving Germany, Italy and Spain, meaning all four countries must approve any export deal. The British Defence Ministry called the agreement a 'significant step forward,' saying it would bolster NATO's deterrence capabilities and support thousands of defence jobs. British Defence Secretary John Healey described the potentially multibillion-pound deal as a 'major milestone.' Turkey seeks to modernize air defence Turkey, which was ejected from the US-led F-35 fighter jet programme in 2019 after acquiring Russia's S-400 missile defence system, is seeking to diversify its defence procurement. US officials argued at the time that the S-400 could compromise sensitive F-35 stealth data and pose a security risk. The Turkish Defence Ministry told dpa on Wednesday that the planned Eurofighter purchase is not linked to the F-35 dispute, but is part of a broader strategy to modernize its air force. Analysts have noted that Ankara will need to invest in new infrastructure and training before the jets can be delivered and become operational. Export policy shift in Berlin Germany's involvement in the Eurofighter consortium had previously stalled the deal, as Berlin had not signed off on the necessary export licences. Arms deliveries to NATO partner Turkey have long been politically sensitive in Germany, due to concerns over Ankara's human rights record and foreign interventions. After Turkey's 2016 military operation in Syria, Berlin significantly scaled back arms exports.
Al-Ahram Weekly
23-07-2025
- Business
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Germany approves Eurofighter jet delivery to Turkey - Region
Germany said Wednesday it had approved the delivery of Eurofighter jets to Turkey, clearing the way for a deal that had been delayed by tensions between the two countries. Turkey had been in talks for several years on buying 40 of the aircraft, which are constructed by a consortium from Germany, Britain, Italy and Spain. The Typhoon jets are to be built in Britain and London is leading the negotiations. But all members of the consortium must sign off on the sale and Germany, which has clashed with Turkey over Israel's war on Gaza, had objected. However, the defence ministry had now "sent a written confirmation to the Turkish government confirming the approval of the export", government spokesman Stefan Kornelius told journalists in Berlin. News outlet Der Spiegel reported that Chancellor Friedrich Merz had bowed to pressure from British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, as the project is expected to support about 20,000 jobs in Britain. After Germany gave the green light to the sale, the Turkish and British defence ministers signed a preliminary agreement in Istanbul on Wednesday for the delivery of the jets. The sale "will strengthen the decades-long friendship between key NATO allies and will be an important step towards enhancing Turkey's advanced air combat capabilities", Turkey's defence ministry said. British Defence Secretary John Healey said the deal would "strengthen NATO's collective defence, and boost both our countries' industrial bases by securing thousands of skilled jobs across the UK for years to come". Turkey's request for the planes was submitted to the German government more than two years ago, but the two countries have since clashed over the war in Gaza. Ankara has vocally criticised Israel's offensive in the Palestinian territory while Berlin has been a staunch supporter of Israel, although it has voiced some criticism over the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
