Canberra, March 26 (SANA) German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius warned on Thursday that instability in the Middle East amid a U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict would have global economic consequences, calling for an end to the war as soon as possible.
Speaking during a meeting with Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles in Canberra, Pistorius said, “This war is a disaster for the world’s economies, and the impact is already clear after just over two weeks.”
He added, “What is most worrying about it is that there are no consultations, no strategy, no clear objectives, and worst of all, there is no exit strategy.”
Pistorius reiterated that Germany does not want to be drawn into the conflict, saying, “We were not consulted beforehand, and no one asked us for anything. It is not our war.”
The German minister said Berlin is ready to assist in securing operations aimed at ensuring stability once a ceasefire is reached, particularly safeguarding freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
For his part, Marles said he and Pistorius agreed to strengthen defense cooperation, adding that the two countries would sign an agreement to “facilitate the work of the defense forces in both countries.”
Australia will also join a German-led project to develop an airborne early warning system, which Pistorius said is intended to address growing capabilities to disrupt or destroy satellites.
Canberra plans to add missiles from German company TDW to its arsenal as part of efforts to prepare for crises that could strain supply chains, including the conflict in Ukraine and the escalation in the Middle East.
During a regional tour that included Japan, Singapore and Australia, Pistorius emphasized the shared interest of mid-sized countries in Europe and the Indo-Pacific in upholding international rules and protecting trade routes, energy supplies and security.
R.D
