Pistorius in the US: Germany prepared to do its duty

Washington (dpa) – Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has assured Washington that Germany is prepared to play a leading role in Europe in connection with security policy and will provide the military capabilities for this purpose. Pistorius said Germany was a steadfast ally that was able and willing to take on its role within the alliance and in the global political arena.

“I strongly believe that only if America and Europe stand firm together will it be possible to keep the West strong and defend it against Russia’s expansionist ambitions as well as against other players’ aspirations to achieve power and dominance,” said Pistorius. He added: “My message today is: as in other moments of transatlantic partnership such as the Berlin Airlift, the Marshall Plan and the reunification of Germany – let us seize this transatlantic opportunity once again.”

Following talks with Secretary of Defense Austin in Washington, Pistorius also announced the decision that Germany would pay for the delivery of three longer-range missile artillery systems from the US to Ukraine. “They come from US armed forces’ stocks and will be paid for by us,” he said.