(Canberra, 5 February 2026). Germany’s Foreign Minister, Dr Johann Wadephul, meets with Australia’s Minister for Industry and Innovation, Senator the Hon Tim Ayres, and Minister for Trade and Tourism, Senator the Hon Don Farrell, to discuss German-Australian ties and signalling commitment to further strengthening the partnership with Australia. The anticipated Free Trade Agreement between the EU and Australia may not seem so far away anymore.
Dr Johann Wadephul, Germany’s Foreign Minister, travelled to Australia to meet with Australian counterparts to strengthen existing ties and advance a more resilient global network of partnerships aligned with shared strategic interests. On Thursday morning, he participated in a roundtable with Senator the Hon Tim Ayres, Minister for Industry and Innovation; Senator the Hon Don Farrell, Minister for Trade and Tourism; and several industry participants from the critical minerals sector.
Dr Jens Goennemann, Chairman of the Board of the German-Australian Chamber of Industry and Commerce, joined the roundtable to share perspectives on the importance and timeliness of a coordinated German–Australian approach to addressing challenges such as critical minerals supply chains.
“A ministerial visit of this calibre significantly strengthens Australian–German relations. I vividly remember the 2014 G20 Summit in Brisbane and the impact it had on both countries, including in the lead-up and the aftermath.” – Dr Jens Goennemann, Chairman of the Board, AHK Australien.
Australia was a pivotal stop on Minister Wadephul’s five-country Indo-Pacific visit. He travelled to Singapore, New Zealand, and Tonga before arriving in Canberra on Wednesday, 4 February. Following an intensive 24-hour program of meetings and engagements, he departed for the final leg of his trip in Brunei.
Australia and the European Union remain engaged in negotiations on a long-anticipated Free Trade Agreement. From discussions to date, both sides appear keen to conclude the talks and bring the agreement to life. Several media outlets have reported that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is planning to travel to Australia later this month to help finalise a broader security and trade package. Her visit would reportedly follow a meeting in Brussels next week between European Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič and his Australian counterpart, Trade and Tourism Minister Don Farrell. These reports cite sources speaking on condition of anonymity, as schedules and arrangements remain tentative.
A successful EU–Australia Free Trade Agreement would significantly deepen cooperation, particularly in the critical minerals and energy sectors. Australia’s abundance of key critical minerals, essential to German and European manufacturing, positions it as a strategic partner and a vital alternative to reliance on Chinese raw materials. A coordinated, joint approach will be essential to securing and strengthening these supply chains.
During the visit, Minister Dr Wadephul also met with Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs, with both sides issuing a joint statement underscoring the strength and importance of German–Australian bilateral relations. In the context of a rapidly evolving geopolitical environment and the emergence of new strategic partnerships, there is clear momentum for an intensified focus on cooperation between Germany and Australia.
As observed in Canberra, both countries are optimistic about the future of their partnership and are committed to actively supporting economic development in both regions.
We sincerely thank the German Embassy in Canberra for the excellent ongoing cooperation and for the kind invitation to Canberra.
About the German-Australian Chamber of Industry and Commerce:
The German-Australian Chamber of Industry and Commerce (AHK Australien), with offices in Sydney and Melbourne, has over 45 years of experience, a competent team of experts and partners who understand all facets of the Australian market. AHK Australien is part of the global network of German Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHKs), with over 150 offices in over 90 countries. AHKs are key players in promoting German foreign trade and business development on behalf of the Federal Republic of Germany.