Johann Wadephul (right) and Paulo Rangel also welcomed Lufthansa’s planned investment in TAP PortugalImage: Bernd von Jutrczenka/dpa/picture alliance
During their meeting in Berlin, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and his Portuguese counterpart, Paulo Rangel, reaffirmed their countries’ steadfast support for Ukraine.
They also stated that Russia had shown no willingness to negotiate by intensifying its attacks.
“We agree that accommodating the aggressor Putin in the current situation would be absolutely the wrong signal,” Wadephul said.
“In this difficult geopolitical situation, we share a common vision: the defence of multilateralism, the promotion of peace and our unwavering solidarity with Ukraine,” Rangel said.
Wadephul also said that recent comments by US President Donald Trump should be viewed in the context of the final phase of the US election campaign.
“I believe we must look at the core of what the United States continues to do, and that is support Ukraine together with us,” he said.
What else did ministers say?
Wadephul also warned against Iran’s activities. He said Europe was “in Iran’s crosshairs.” On Thursday, the Hamburg Higher Regional Court sentenced two men to several years in prison for planning attacks on behalf of an Iranian intelligence agency.
“We will not tolerate Iran’s hostile activities, which are directed against Jews here in Germany and our open society as a whole,” said Wadephul. “We will respond to this as well.”
Wadephul and Rangel welcomed Lufthansa‘s planned investment in TAP Portugal. Wadephul called it a “landmark decision,” and Rangel described it as a “huge success.”
Earlier this week, Portugal’s government awarded Lufthansa the contract to acquire a 44.9% stake in TAP.