German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier

For the second time, Frank-Walter Steinmeier became Foreign Minister in the grand coalition. SPD politician's 57-year-old known pragmatic and able to cooperate with Chancellor Merkel.

Frank - Walter Steimeier finally back again to lead the Department of Foreign Affairs in Berlin , which he left four years ago . Politicians who previously served as chairman of the SPD faction said , was " an honor " represents German as Foreign Minister for a second time . At the Department of Foreign Affairs , he was greeted with warm applause .
After the new German cabinet sworn in , Steinmeier and immediately began working visit to France on Wednesday ( 18/12 ) with Chancellor Angela Merkel . When it became the German Foreign Minister in 2005-2009 , Steinmeier has been working under Merkel . He is known as a pragmatic politician and trying to avoid the political hubbub .
In 2009 , Steinmeier SPD appeared as the leading candidate against Angela Merkel . At that time, the SPD suffered a major defeat and eventually became an opposition party . After the election last September , the CDU / CSU and SPD agreed to form a grand coalition .

Basic Principles of Foreign Policy
Coalition government may change , but the basic principle of German foreign policy was not changed . Germany sees itself as a major pillar of European integration . In addition , Germany 's international role is determined by the strategic partnership with the U.S. and NATO involvement .
Traditionally , Germany does not want to get involved too much in international military missions . The attitude of " restraint " has become a hallmark of Germany in various global conflicts . Steinmeier stressed , Germany has a special responsibility in international diplomacy , because of its history during the world war .
In a handover ceremony at the Foreign Ministry , Steinmeier praised his predecessor , Guido Westerwelle , who is always trying to " maintain cultural restraint " in the military deployment to conflict areas .
Political continuity
In the coalition agreement agreed by the CDU , CSU and SPD , foreign policy chapter contains no new surprises . France and Poland are mentioned as two neighboring countries are very important . United States is still seen as a country that has a big role in " freedom , security and prosperity for all " . But the government of the United States are reminded to respect the privacy and does not conduct wiretaps in vain .
Relations with Russia called a " partnership for modernization " . Regarding modernization , the two countries were admittedly had " different views " . One of the main agenda in the near future is the situation in Ukraine .
The German government calls China and India as a " strategic partner " in economic relations . Africa will receive assistance from Germany in order to resolve regional problems . As for the Arab countries and North Africa , Germany expects " positive developments towards democracy and pluralism " .
At UN , Germany still intend to become a permanent member of the Security Council . But for that , the UN needs reform , as mentioned in the coalition agreement .