Foreign & European Policy
Germany and Singapore
Bilateral relations between the two countries are good. They rest on a firm basis of cooperation at various levels, both bilaterally and multilaterally. Singapore's constructive role in ASEAN, its unusual stability and its regional importance make it an important partner for German foreign policy. Singapore is held in high esteem as a motor and mediator in promoting political relations between Europe and Asia.
German foreign policy in Asia
Asia plays a central role in international politics. Not only is it a continent of vast cultural and religious diversity, but with over 3.5 billion people it also accommodates more than half the world's population. Asia currently still accounts for well over a quarter of the global national product and is the source of a roughly equal percentage of international trade flows. It is the most dynamic growth region worldwide and will continue to consolidate this position in the 21st century. German foreign policy takes account of these dimensions.
German foreign policy issues
Peace and freedom are the focal points of German foreign policy. They can only be guaranteed through cooperation in a spirit of trust and a fair balancing of interests with our partners in the United Nations, NATO, G8, OSCE and EU.
German policy on Europe
After centuries of bloody conflict, the integration of states and their interests has defeated nationalism and brought Europe an unparalleled period of peace, prosperity and stability. That is why the completion of European integration is our top political objective.
European Union and Asia
ASEAN has the longest tradition of regional cooperation with the EU. The first Foreign Ministers Meeting took place in 1978, and in 1980 the two regional organizations formalized their relations with the signing of the EC-ASEAN Cooperation Agreement. Following the emergence of new cooperation structures in the late 1980s, primarily in the Trans-Pacific region, Europe also redoubled its efforts to intensify its relations with Asia in the early 1990s. In March 1996 the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) was established as a dialogue process and network at summit and ministerial level and to promote exchange among experts. To preserve its informal character and function as a network, ASEM is barely institutionalized. Its only permanent physical institution is the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF), which concentrates on fostering cultural, social and interpersonal exchange between Europe and Asia.
The European Union
With 27 member countries and a population of nearly half a billion, the European Union covers a large part of Europe. Since its creation, it has worked to bring prosperity and stability to its citizens.
The European Union is based on the rule of law. Everything it does is derived from treaties, which are agreed on by all Member States. The latest is the Treaty of Lisbon.
