Ashraf AboArafe
The German Ambassador to Cairo, Mr. Jürgen Schulz, held a press conference today at the embassy headquarters, emphasizing the pivotal role Egypt plays in regional stability. Ambassador Schulz reviewed Berlin’s vision for addressing current crises and expanding the horizons of bilateral cooperation, highlighting the following key points:
1. Gaza: From Urgent Relief to Reconstruction
The Ambassador described the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip as dire, asserting that German efforts extend beyond immediate aid to future stability:
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Reconstruction: The German government, through the Minister for International Cooperation, has confirmed its full readiness to participate in rebuilding the Strip and providing necessary technical and financial support.
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Sustainable Security: He emphasized the importance of the “20-Point Plan” to establish national Palestinian institutions to manage Gaza’s affairs and maintain internal security, ensuring long-term stability.
2. Sudan: Commitment to the “Berlin Principles”
The Ambassador noted that Sudan’s stability is a fundamental pillar for regional and Egyptian security, reviewing the results of recent German initiatives:
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Financial Support: The Sudan Conference held in Berlin (April 15) successfully mobilized $1.5 billion, with Germany contributing €230 million.
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Political Solution: He reaffirmed his country’s commitment to the “Berlin Principles,” which reject foreign interference or financing of conflicting parties and support the formation of a democratic civilian government that preserves the country’s unity.
3. The Iranian File and Regional Security
The Ambassador stressed that Germany adopts an “actions, not words” approach regarding tensions with Iran:
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Diplomatic Solution: The priority remains finding sustainable diplomatic solutions to avoid military escalation.
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Technical Support: He announced Berlin’s readiness to provide mine-clearing equipment and advanced detection devices to help secure navigation routes and affected areas once international agreements are reached.
4. Relations with Washington and NATO
Regarding news about the withdrawal of some U.S. forces from German bases, the Ambassador reassured the audience:
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Our relationship with the United States is “historic and deep” since the end of World War II, and differences in viewpoints do not affect the core of the alliance.
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The withdrawal of a limited number of troops is an organizational measure that will not impact Germany’s status as a reliable partner within NATO.
5. Partnership with Egypt: Labor and Trade
The Ambassador concluded by highlighting the strength of bilateral relations with Cairo, particularly in the economic sector:
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Trade Growth: Bilateral trade volume has surged to approximately $6 billion, with continuous efforts to increase German investments in the Egyptian market.
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Attracting Egyptian Talent: The Ambassador revealed Germany’s urgent need for skilled Egyptian labor over the next decade. He confirmed that the embassy is working with partners like the (GIZ) and the German Chamber of Commerce to facilitate language training, certificate equivalency, and directly connect Egyptian talent with German companies.
