German Chancellor Friedrich Merz congratulated Azerbaijan and Armenia on their recent peace deal which he said opened an "historic opportunity" for the region.
He made the comment while speaking at a joint press conference with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in Berlin on Tuesday (9 December).
“This is a significant achievement. The Federal Republic of Germany has closely supported both Armenia and Azerbaijan throughout this process,” Merz said.
"The peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan is a sign of hope for peace and prosperity in this world and the South Caucasus region, and it sends an important, positive signal far beyond the region," the conservative leader said.
“From our perspective, it is now crucial that Armenia and Azerbaijan continue to take the remaining steps together and peacefully, and that the outstanding issues can be resolved amicably,” he added.
Merz said that Germany would support closer cooperation between the European Union, Armenia and Azerbaijan highlighting energy and trade opportunities.
During Pashinyan's visit, the two countries signed a joint declaration on a "strategic agenda" outlining key areas of cooperation.
Merz also said that foreign companies, including those from the U.S., must comply with German and EU laws. He made the remarks in response to criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump over a fine imposed on social media platform X.
“German and European companies operating in the U.S. must follow the laws in place there and, if necessary, face serious penalties. Similarly, American companies in Europe must accept the rules that apply here. If they fail to do so, there are of course possibilities for sanctions in Germany and Europe,” Merz said.
On Monday (8 December), Trump described the €120 million fine imposed by the European Commission on Elon Musk’s social media platform for violating EU transparency rules as “nasty”.
Merz also said that discussions with the Armenian Prime Minister included Armenia’s desire to join the European Union and Germany’s position on the matter.
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The UK has announced a fresh round of sanctions against individuals and organisations it says are responsible for cyber attacks and hybrid operations linked to Russian intelligence, in a move aimed at countering efforts to destabilise Europe.
The United States and Iran have significantly escalated their conflict, exchanging heavy missile and drone strikes across the Gulf region. Iran claims it has once again closed the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping route.
Tajikistan will reduce electricity exports and increase water reserves ahead of winter as the government seeks to improve domestic power supplies after last year’s seasonal shortages.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 13th of July, covering the latest developments you need to know.
The 4th Shusha Global Media Forum will bring together nearly 160 media leaders, experts and officials from 54 countries in Azerbaijan's historic city of Shusha on 13-14 July, to discuss journalism’s role in peacebuilding, restoring public trust and tackling challenges.
The U.S. has launched fresh strikes on Iran after Tehran targeted a container ship and said it had again closed the Strait of Hormuz. Iran also claimed to have expanded attacks on U.S. military facilities across the Gulf.
Typhoon Bavi, the strongest storm to hit the eastern coast of mainland China this year, brought heavy rain, strong winds, flooding and landslides after making landfall in Zhejiang province on Sunday. More than 2.8 million people were evacuated to safety ahead of the storm.
President Ilham Aliyev is holding his annual question-and-answer session with international journalists at the 4th Shusha Global Media Forum in Azerbaijan.
China has maintained its highest-level rainstorm warning after Typhoon Bavi made landfall on the country's eastern coast, urging large-scale evacuations and emergency preparations across several provinces amid fears of severe flooding and landslides
The UK has announced a fresh round of sanctions against individuals and organisations it says are responsible for cyber attacks and hybrid operations linked to Russian intelligence, in a move aimed at countering efforts to destabilise Europe.
A 93-year-old British woman has died after being injured in wildfires that swept through southeastern Spain's Almeria province, regional authorities said, bringing the confirmed death toll to 13 people.
More than 10,000 excess deaths were recorded across 27 European countries during a record-breaking heatwave in late June, with older people accounting for the vast majority of the toll, according to official mortality data.
An overnight fire at a popular bar in Bangkok has killed at least 27 people and injured 63 others, making it one of the deadliest pub disasters in the Thai capital in recent years. Authorities say the venue quickly filled with thick smoke, trapping patrons inside.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 13th of July, covering the latest developments you need to know.
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