German Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Auswärtiges Amt

The Federal Foreign Office , abbreviated AA, is the foreign ministry of Federal Republic of Germany, a federal agency responsible for both the country's foreign politics and its relationship with the European Union. It is a cabinet-level ministry. The term "Auswärtiges Amt" was the name of the Foreign Office established in 1870 by the North German Confederation, which then became German Empire's Foreign Office in 1871. It is still the name of the German foreign ministry today. From 1871 to 1919, the Foreign Office was led by a Foreign Secretary, and since 1919, it has been led by the Foreign Minister of Germany. Since 2009, Guido Westerwelle has served as Foreign Minister, and Werner Hoyer and Cornelia Pieper as Ministers of State. The primary seat of the ministry is at the Werderscher Markt square in the Mitte district, the historic centre of Berlin.

Foreign Minister: Guido Westerwelle

To: Chancellor Angela Merkel
From: Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy

Open Letter

To: Chancellor Angela Merkel
From: Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy

Open Letter

To: Guido Westerwelle, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Federal Republic of Germany
From: Sergei Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rusian Federation

Thank you for your recent communication on behalf of the Federal Republic. As a major trade partner of the European Union, the Russian Federation is indeed interested in discussing bilateral investment opportunities.

We are, of course, always open to deepening and strengthening the bilateral relationship - economic and political - between Germany and Russia. Such actions will undoubtedly benefit both of us. As you will be aware, Russia has recently finalised its ascension to the World Trade Organisation and we are very keen to develop our economic relations with other states. The Federal Republic of Germany, being one of the world's largest economies and a major trading partner, would be a natural collaborator on matters of economic importance.

Kind regards,

Sergei Lavrov
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Russian Federation.

To: Guido Westerwelle, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Federal Republic of Germany
From: S.M. Krishna, External Affairs Minister (EAM), Republic of India

To: Foreign Minister Westerwelle, Federal Republic of Germany
From: Foreign Minister Yang, People's Republic of China

The European Union has long managed affairs of trade with the Chinese people on a multilateral level, most notably through the EEAS. Accordingly, we ask for clarification: is Berlin proposing the emphasis of bilateral relations in lieu of multilateral relations? Or is Berlin merely attempting to hedge its bets in response to the creation of a "new economic block" in the halls of the European Union?

In any event, we see no harm to agree to a meeting. However, we stress that this agreement should be considered active endorsement of Germany vis-a-vis Spain in this latest dispute.

[Signed]
Yang Jiechi

To: Spanish and German Governments
From: Bob Carr, Foreign Minister

Gentlemen,

I thank you both for your letters regarding the current situation within Europe, and in particular the Eurozone economy. We agree that a greater form of global involvement must occur now if we are to prevent this crisis from spreading further. We note in particular that there are many issues caused by this affecting Australia which are forcing the development of a two-speed economy which we obviously do not want to occur. As such we would be delighted to accept the German offer of some degree of involvement and more specifically the direct Spanish offer of attending your meeting so we can observe, and if required contribute, to these utmost essential topics. We hope that from this meeting we will be able to build some ideas as to where we can go on from this to address the other potential areas of discussion as the German Foreign Minister brought up in his letter.

[Signed]
Sen. Bob Carr
Minister of Foreign Affairs

To: Guido Westerwelle, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Federal Republic of Germany
From: Kōichirō Gemba, Minister of Foreign Affairs, State of Japan

First, let me congratulate you on the progress made in EU talks. I will make a stop in Berlin for the meeting, and eagerly anticipate this continuation of policy aimed at mending economic woes.

To: Guido Westerwelle, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Federal Republic of Germany
From: S.M. Krishna, External Affairs Minister (EAM), Republic of India

To: Foreign Minister Westerwelle, Federal Republic of Germany
From: Foreign Minister Yang, People's Republic of China

The Chinese people have long remained steadfast friends of the Europeans. Barring a few profoundly unfortunate events in the 19th century, it has been cooperation between China and Europe that has done so much good for both sides. Indeed, the peaceful surrender of Hong Kong and Macao serve as testaments to the complex dynamic between our peoples. As Europe was willing to help China, so is China willing to help Europe.

The exact terms of our involvement, however, will need to be negotiated in full. These are not the sort of negotiations that can be conducted via communique. But I will say this: China's support in this venture will not come without concessions. The European Union has implemented several policies with which we profoundly disagree.

I would like to meet to discuss this directly. How does Berlin sound?

[Signed]
Yang Jiechi

(Make the topic. If you're still interested.)

To: Guido Westerwelle, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Federal Republic of Germany
From: Sergei Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Russian Federation

Minister Westerwelle,

It would be my pleasure to visit you in Berlin to discuss the situation in Europe and our mutual economic and political relationships.

I hope to see you soon.

Sergei Lavrov
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Russian Federation

(OOC: Make the thread when you're ready, AaronH.)

To: Guido Westerwelle, Minister of Foreign Affairs
From: Bob Carr, Foreign Minister

Minister,

That is unfortunate and it does appear to ourselves that this divide in Europe is only worsening. Whilst Australia values our relations with Europe at the highest considering the detrimental affects we are now starting to see through the increase in immigration numbers from countries such as Greece and Italy, predominantly of 'Grannies' being brought out by their younger families due to the issues in funding their healthcare, which in turn places additional strain on our public healthcare system from individuals who have never paid Australian taxes to fund it.

Considering the role that these nationalities play within our society and the relations we value with their home countries as such it is the view of the Australian Government that we cannot be seen as taking any form of side in this dispute at the present time. As has been pointed out our relations with Europe are at a level were economically we do not have to interfere extensively and thus, considering the situation, we have no intention to do so. It is important that Europe addresses this situation itself and produces a successful result for the global economy.

Whilst previously Australian Governments may have wished to exert further influence on Europe we lack the economic card we once held and lack a stable government willing to do so. I do however strongly hope that these ideas will not be forgotten and that within the next year or so Europe will be able to arrange a way to fix its issues allowing these concepts to become reality.

[Signed]
Sen. Bob Carr
Minister of Foreign Affairs