Diplomacy: Baerbock meets Blinken and US representatives in Washington

Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock praised the training of German Bundeswehr pilots in the US state of Texas as an important contribution to the security of Germany, Europe and NATO. Without the training at the joint NATO base there, “we would not be able to further strengthen security here in Europe,” said the Green politician during a visit to the Federal Air Force’s Tactical Training Command in Wichita Falls, Texas.

German jet pilots have been trained in Wichita Falls since 1966. In 1981, the program was expanded to include pilot candidates from other NATO nations. A spokesman for the Foreign Office explained that the training is a practical example of transatlantic cooperation in security and defense policy. There are currently around 35 German flight instructors and around 25 German student pilots working at the base.

There are currently around 25 Bundeswehr flight students in Wichita Falls

The federal government is investing “not just in tanks, not just in combat aircraft, not just in helicopters, but above all in the soldiers of tomorrow,” said Baerbock. The joint pilot training is “also the basis for us being able to strengthen the protection of our eastern flank of the NATO alliance with joint air surveillance.”

That’s why it’s important that pilots from the Bundeswehr and 14 nations train together, “in the hope that an emergency never occurs,” said Baerbock. Since the Russian attack on Ukraine, we have known “that we must be prepared together for this emergency.” The training also strengthens the transatlantic alliance.

Baerbock wants to meet members of Congress

Today the Federal Foreign Minister continues her almost two-week trip to the USA with political discussions in the capital Washington. In the morning (local time) she wants to meet Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell – one of the Republican Party’s most influential masterminds. It was initially unclear whether the Federal Foreign Minister would meet other members of Congress.

Baerbock emphasized that the transatlantic alliance is only strong when governments not only work together, but also “support each other in trust, side by side.” The Americans deserve thanks for their “support to strengthen our European security.”

Baerbock said she wanted to talk together with Republican MPs and ruling Democrats about “how we can continue to maintain support for Ukraine not only in the next few months, but in the next few years.” This is about military support, but also about the economic reconstruction of the country attacked by Russia.

Baerbock-Blinken meeting: Ukraine probably in the center

Further support for Ukraine is also likely to be the focus of a meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Before the start of the UN General Assembly in New York at the beginning of next week, it is also expected that topics such as how to deal with China and the fight against the climate crisis will also be addressed.

The mood in the USA before the presidential election in November 2024 could also play a role in Baerbock’s conversation with Blinken. There is concern in the federal government that former Republican President Donald Trump could move into the White House again. In this case, it would be unclear how the future US government would position itself in multilateral organizations. Compared to his predecessor Trump, Democratic President Joe Biden is seen as much more predictable among allies. He is also seeking a second term in office.

Before the presidential election next year, Baerbock wants to get an idea of ​​the political situation in the United States on the longer trip to the USA. Next week, like Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD), she will take part in the UN General Assembly in New York.