German top diplomat advocates for greater UN representation

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul met with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres in New York, underscoring Germany’s ambition to secure a stronger presence in the world body.

Wadephul emphasized that Germany’s current representation at the UN does not reflect the country’s influence or its level of financial and international engagement, DW reports.

“But it must be clear for the future that Germany wants to have a place at the UN table,” he said, stressing that Berlin’s commitment to the organization will persist even when decisions diverge from German interests.

The foreign minister also proposed that Germany could host additional UN agencies, building on the existing presence in Bonn, the former capital of West Germany. According to Wadephul, Guterres was receptive to Germany’s concerns and optimistic that the position would be well received by the broader international community.

Prior to his meeting with Guterres, Wadephul met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. While expressing cordiality toward his American counterpart, Wadephul criticized the United States’ stance on international organizations. “The United States has been crucial in shaping and building the international order for decades,” he said. “That they are now withdrawing from several organizations is regrettable.”

By Vafa Guliyeva