Foreign Minister Wadephul heading to Rome: fostering ties with Italy, dialogue with the Vatican, and boost for European security initiatives

In a significant diplomatic move, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock of Germany is currently in Rome, where she is holding discussions with her Italian counterpart and high-ranking Vatican officials.

The foreign ministers are engaging in a dialogue with Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, representatives of the Holy See. The discussions come just a few weeks after the election of Pope Leo XIV, and the exchange is expected to focus on peace, human rights, including religious freedom, and interreligious dialogue.

The dialogue with the Holy See is a fixed and important part of German foreign policy, symbolising the centuries-old spiritual and cultural connections between Germany and the Holy See, as evidenced by the historic German cemetery "Campo Santo Teutonico," located next to St. Peter's Basilica.

During her visit, Minister Baerbock is also deepening relations with Italy. Economic cooperation is significant between the two countries, with a focus on supply chains, investments, and technological cooperation. Future cooperation may focus on hydrogen technology.

The main topics of discussion between Baerbock and her Italian counterpart include geopolitical crises, such as the situation in Ukraine, the transatlantic relationship, the Middle East, and global migration dynamics. The goal reaffirmed by the foreign ministers is a sovereign, democratic, and resilient Ukraine as part of a stable Euro-Atlantic security area.

The "Weimar Triangle Plus" meeting, consisting of Germany, France, Poland, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, EU High Representative Kaja Kallas, and Ukraine's Foreign Minister, is taking place in Rome. The focus of the meeting is the long-term support of Ukraine in response to the ongoing Russian war of aggression.

The discussions in the "Weimar Triangle Plus" meeting aim to enhance strategic independence and capability through interconnected defense structures, joint industrial capacities, and political unity within the transatlantic framework. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte is participating in the meeting for the first time.

Joint government consultations are planned for next year to renew and expand cooperation in areas such as energy, digitalization, research, and civil society cohesion. The meetings reaffirm the shared commitment of Germany and Italy to a multilateral, rules-based world order.

The "Weimar Triangle Plus" format is a crucial framework for clear coordination, joint action, and a strong Europe in an unstable world. The economic and diplomatic ties between Germany and Italy, coupled with their shared values and strategic objectives, serve as a beacon of stability in an increasingly complex global landscape.

Foreign Minister Wadephul heading to Rome: fostering ties with Italy, dialogue with the Vatican, and boost for European security initiatives