Germany, Australia hail close ties amid pressure from 'big powers'

Germany and Australia are seeking to expand cooperation in a range of areas, including defence and energy, as the two countries try to reinforce existing alliances in a rapidly evolving world order dominated by a few power players.

"We share values, we share interests, we have an enhanced strategic cooperation," German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said during a meeting with his Australian counterpart Penny Wong in Canberra.

He described Australia as a reliable partner in "a world full of uncertainties."

Wong said Australia considers Germany to be a "valued partner" in the Indo-Pacific region and in "shaping the world that we want to see."

Both countries are "middle powers", Wong said. "We know that by working together, by building coalitions and partnerships, we work to manage the change that we are all experiencing, and to deliver better outcomes for our people."

Wong highlighted Australia's support for Ukraine in its defence of freedom and security of Europe.

"We want to see a just and lasting peace on Ukraine's terms, a peace that upholds Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity to support security and stability in Europe and ensures that Russia does not renew its aggression," she said.

Wadephul, who is currently on a five-day trip to South-East Asia and the Pacific region, responded that Germany appreciated having a partner "on the other side of the world" who "understands what is at stake in Europe."

He called for a policy of risk minimization to strengthen Germany and the EU, "to withstand all the pressure we do feel from big powers in order to preserve not only our economic, but especially our political independence."

Australia is walking a tightrope when it comes to dealing with superpowers like the United States and China.

While China is the country's most important trading partner, the US is Australia's key security partner, and Canberra has been expanding military cooperation with Washington.

Germany is Australia's second-largest trading partner in Europe, while Australia supplies raw materials and agricultural products.