Germany and Israel. 50 Years of Diplomatic Relations

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Germany and Israel. 50 Years of Diplomatic Relations

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In the current edition of the International Reports we also offer a mobi-version. You can download the version via the link on the right side.

Greeting from Ambassador

It cannot be taken for granted that the German-Israeli relations today can be described by the terms diverse, trusting and dynamic. The German-Israeli relationship has experienced an incredible development since the darkest hell of history. Due to the Shoah, this relationship is unique. We need to keep alive this uniqueness, because it is important for our two peoples and countries for many reasons, both today and in the future.

Like a Miracle of History

Intensive cooperation between the Federal Republic of Germany and the state of Israel can be observed in numerous areas since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. It remains clear, however, that the German-Israeli relationship is not “normal” and should never be. It remains our task to resolutely counter those who question Israel’s right of existence and to make sure that Israel can live within an internationally recognized territory with the same right as its neighbors.

Start-ups – A Connecting Element between Israel and Germany

Germany and particularly Berlin become increasingly attractive as starting points for Israeli start-ups. This is especially due to its many young talents, its infrastructure and networks. Another crucial factor is Germany’s positive public image. German entrepreneurs are particularly interested in Israel’s expertise in technology and agriculture. Harmonizing Israel’s needs for investments and German needs for innovations is an important task for the future.

Striving for Security in an Insecure World

The coming years will necessitate a concerted effort to understand the ideology and modus operandi of jihadist terrorism, to contain and ultimately reduce the capacity and motivation of terrorists to attack. Indeed, the counter-terrorism posture in Germany and Israel will depend on the intelligent and determined application of common guiding tenets and so will greatly benefit from intimate German-Israeli dialogue, cooperation, and learning.

Trilateral Development Cooperation in Africa: Israel-Germany-Third Countries

Entwicklungskooperation Israel-Deutschland-Dritte

The German government has consistently expanded trilateral development cooperation. This holds especially true for Israel. Both countries are committed to the global agenda for sustainable development, the fight against poverty and the implementation of the MDGs. Israel and Germany share the vision that economically strong countries should support countries that are in the process of developing their economy by providing them with resources and expertise.

Uneasy Neighbours

The EU and Israel – a Paradoxical Relationship

The description of the relationship between Israel and the European Union as an ‘uneasy partnership’ will be appropriate for the foreseeable future. On the one hand, the causes of alienation are likely to intensify, at least as long as a two-state solution remains out of reach. On the other hand, there are an increasing number of valid reasons for expanding the existing cooperation. The two sides have much to offer each other in economic, scientific and technical as well as cultural cooperation.

Conflicts and Unrest in the Region Cause an Influx of Refugees

Interview with Steffen Krüger, Head of the KAS office in DR Congo

The main causes for the migration of the DR Congo are the many internal and regional conflicts. As a consequence, millions of people have become internally displaced persons in their own country. Numerous NGOs and church-run initiatives try to ease the calamity. But as long as the region remains instable flight and expulsion are going to dominate the scene.

Dictatorship and economic desolation push people abroad

Interview with Jürgen Langen, Head of the KAS office in Zimbabwe

Unemployment, poverty and especially the dictatorship of Robert Mugabe force people from Zimbabwe to emigrate. Thousands of doctors, journalists, academics and craftsmen are leaving their country. Most of them try to rebuild their livelihoods in neighboring South Africa. There, however, they face outright rejection and xenophobia.