Statement by Foreign Minister Wadephul prior to his departure for Tunisia and Algeria

Against the backdrop of global upheaval and instability, it is crucial for Germany and for Europe to cooperate even more closely particularly with our geographical neighbours in North Africa. With Algeria and Tunisia we share the goal of stabilising the Sahel in the long term. Calming the situation in the Middle East, particularly with regard to the shipping routes of the Arabian Peninsula, is likewise crucial for our supply flows and security.

Together, we will therefore make the most of the opportunities for closer cooperation. Since taking office, we have intensified the exchange between our countries - only recently I was privileged to welcome my Tunisian colleague Mohamed Nafti and my Algerian colleague Ahmed Attaf to Berlin. With my visit, I now intend to build on this close exchange. After all, we share central economic and security concerns with Tunisia and Algeria. In the field of economic cooperation in particular, for instance, in the area of energy cooperation, we have a great deal to offer one another in terms of joining forces to foster more growth and prosperity. Together, we can make the Mediterranean an area of strength between our continents.

This year, we are celebrating the 70^th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Tunisia. The ties between our countries have grown continually closer over those decades. Germany is Tunisia's third-largest export market. For our industry, particularly the car industry, resilient supply relationships with Tunisia are now central. Academic and professional exchange between our countries is also thriving. Around 7500 young Tunisians are studying at German universities, while Tunisian professionals make a valuable contribution to our healthcare system.

Algeria is a strategic partner for Germany with regard to energy policy and in the area of security. Already, Algeria is one of the most important suppliers of gas for the European Union, and as a future supplier with huge potential for the production of green hydrogen, the country's significance is bound to increase further. That is why we agreed only in July to intensify our partnership considerably in the area of energy supply and transformation of the energy sector, and to set out on new paths of economic cooperation. I have therefore invited German business representatives to accompany me on my trip to Tunisia and Algeria and to participate in business discussions.