Next inaugural visit from Germany’s new Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (40, Greens). After the rather grateful stays in Paris and Brussels, she traveled to Warsaw on Friday – a politically more delicate date.
Because: Poland’s nationalist-conservative PiS government has recently been increasingly anti-German. Before Baerbock’s visit, PiS boss Jaroslaw Kaczynski (72) is said to have spoken behind closed doors of a “Fourth German Reich” that the traffic light coalition is planning with a federal EU state.
Not an easy meeting for Baerbock with her Polish counterpart Zbigniew Rau (66, PiS). In addition, there were internationally explosive topics on the table – the tense situation between Russia and Ukraine, the miserable situation of migrants on the Polish and thus on the EU’s external border with Belarus and the controversial Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline.
Friendly welcome
At least there was a friendly diplomatic gesture right from the start: Immediately after arriving in Warsaw, the Green politician was received by Poland’s President Andrzej Duda (49). This was followed by an hour and a half exchange of ideas with Foreign Minister Rau.
And the greeting continued with warm words: Rau, who is 25 years older than him, called it a “great pleasure” that the new minister, after Paris and Brussels – as is traditionally customary – is heading for Warsaw as the third stop.
Clear pointer to Baerbock
In the direction of Baerbock, Rau said that he himself took office a year ago, only to find out soon: “Many of my theoretical ideas have been corrected by political reality …”
For a diplomat, this is a clear pointer to the new Federal Foreign Minister – and encapsulates a call to exercise humility, especially with regard to our eastern neighbors, in view of all the lofty plans for the EU and climate protection. Because on the other side of the Oder people think differently on many issues than in Germany.
Baerbock should have liked to hear that Rau once again clearly rejected the commissioning of Nord Stream 2 (“harmful to Poland, with consequences, endangering peace”), after all, her party flatly rejects the Putin pipeline – but not the SPD .
Foto: Getty Images
“data-zoom-src =” https://bilder.bild.de/fotos/aussenministerin-baerbock-trug-sich-nach-ihrem-besuch-am-grab-des-unbekannten-soldaten-in-warschau-in- 7b5634b4a20e43d0b16964632eeb5e37-78507224 / image / 10.bild.jpg “/> Foreign Minister Baerbock signed a guest book after her visit to the grave of the unknown soldier in WarsawFoto: Getty Images
Rau also found clear words for Russia and its troop movements on the Ukrainian border – “In the 21st century, such a situation is unacceptable” and “Ukraine has the full right to apply for EU membership”. Baerbock nodded in agreement, having recently threatened Russia with consequences.
Commitment to German-Polish friendship
Both ministers agree on how valuable the German-Polish friendship is, especially in view of the sad history. This friendship is “deep” and “priceless” within the EU, said Baerbock. “In view of the immeasurable Polish casualties during the war and the occupation”, this is “anything but self-evident”.
Baerbock gave personal information: 60 years ago her grandparents came to Germany from Poland. On the night of May 1, 2004 (Baerbock accidentally said in 2014), when Poland joined the EU, she stood on the bridge between Frankfurt / Oder and Slubice, there “celebrated with many people when Europe grew together again in hearts”.
Neither of them responded to a lousy poster campaign that, in addition to Merkel, shows the German ambassador Arndt Freytag von Loringhoven (65) in a row with Hitler and Goebbels. With this, rights want to lend weight to Poland’s reparation demands.
Rule of law in dialogue
While Rau excluded the issue of the rule of law, Baerbock addressed it aggressively: There are major “discrepancies” here, but the solution is “under discussion” – which is what continued the line of former Chancellor Angela Merkel (67). Rau added that “a strategic, patient dialogue” is needed on the subject.
Baerbock thanked Poland for securing the EU’s external borders and spoke of Germany’s “full solidarity” with Belarus’ hybrid war practice of illegally sending migrants to Poland across the Belarus border.
Foto: Getty Images
“data-zoom-src =” https://bilder.bild.de/fotos/deutschlands-neu-aussenministerin-annalena-baerbock-40-bei-ihrer-rede-in-warschau-2a5f5d7a6705427da2c4d22aea422053-78507214/Bild/10. bild.jpg “/> Germany’s new Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (40) during her speech in WarsawFoto: Getty Images
However: “We have to make sure, I would like to make this clear, that in view of the icy temperatures in the border area, humanitarian aid is available on both sides of the border.”
Happiness and friendship
Rau gave the young colleague something along the way, namely the wish for “diplomatic happiness, also in German-Polish relations”.
When asked whether Poland would give in in the legal dispute, Baerbock said: “In foreign policy and diplomacy in particular, you not only need a little diplomatic luck, you always need hope.”
The Foreign Minister emphasized Germany’s “never-ending responsibility”. It is about her to “honestly cultivate this friendship in peace”. She wanted to show this not least with the laying of a wreath at the grave of the unknown soldier.