During his visit to Canada, Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier called for a joint defense of the liberal democracies that are being attacked from within and without. "We have to avoid being politically and economically vulnerable," he said at a luncheon in Ottawa with Governor General Mary Simon, the representative of King Charles III. as head of state of Canada. "Our democracy is also a critical infrastructure. Let's preserve and protect it against internal and external attacks."
In addition to Russia, Steinmeier also named China as an international challenge. "China's economic and political claim to power will shape the future of international relations in the long run." As a Pacific nation, Canada plays an important role in efforts by all Western countries to counter China's growing influence in the Indo-Pacific. Germany and Canada have a common goal: "We want to expand our network with the countries in the region in order to reduce one-sided dependencies on China."
Steinmeier arrived in the Canadian capital Ottawa on Sunday. He is accompanied by his wife Elke Büdenbender and a business delegation. Federal Education and Research Minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger (FDP) is also taking part in the four-day trip.
Steinmeier: Canada a "place of longing" for Germans
On Monday, Steinmeier met Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for talks. He paid tribute to the German leadership, for example in the group of G7 countries, and emphasized that both countries worked side by side in supporting Ukraine.
For many Germans, Canada is a "place of longing," Steinmeier said in his after-dinner speech over lunch. Political relations have always been friendly, sometimes perhaps "a little non-binding". "That has changed: Germany and Canada are more closely connected than ever. We know what we have in each other - and how much we need each other."
With an area of almost ten million square kilometers, Canada is the second largest country in the world after Russia and about 28 times the size of Germany. However, only a good 39 million people live there - not even half as many as in Germany. The country has vast natural resources such as oil, gas and minerals. This makes it interesting as a trading partner, especially since Germany wants to reduce its dependencies on Russia and China.
Ceta agreement remains controversial
Trade is facilitated by the controversial Ceta agreement that the Bundestag ratified in December. It is intended to facilitate business between companies in the EU and Canada by eliminating almost all tariffs and through common rules - although critics find that the trade pact protects corporate interests unilaterally to the detriment of the climate, environment and social fairness.
"Ceta has already intensified trade between our two countries," said Steinmeier during the flight to Ottawa. The agreement obviously also offers incentives for mutual investments.
