Please join us on 20 February 2023, for the first conversation in our Diplomatic Dialogue Series.
In collaboration with our partner, The Aspen Institute Germany, we have the privilege of hosting a dynamic exchange between our two experienced ambassadors, Ambassador Hawke and Ambassador Mezenbach, who will be discussing German-New Zealand ties amid changing geopolitical realities.
Free Online Event
Monday 20 February, 9pm to 10pm NZT
With moderator
Rt. Hon. Sir Don McKinnon, Trustee Aspen Institute New Zealand, Former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand
and
Craig Hawke, NZ Ambassador to Germany, Switzerland, the Czech Republic and Liechtenstein.
Nicole Menzenbach, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to New Zealand
Opening remarks
Christine Maiden Sharp, CEO Aspen Institute New Zealand
Dr Stormy-Annika Mildner, Executive Director Aspen Institute Germany
Over the past 15 years the term Indo-Pacific has grown in prominence in geopolitical discourse as a denominational construct depicting a region spanning from the Pacific to the Indian ocean. It has also gained a reputation as a strategic concept implying a united, U.S.-led push against China’s dominance in the region. More recently, China’s attempts to dominate Taiwan and Taiwan’s alignment with the U.S. have amplified this tension.
Germany and New Zealand have strong ties, characterized by common values, robust trade relations, and frequent cooperation on scientific initiatives. In the wake of Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine and Germany’s growing role in the EU’s promotion of international cooperation, how is Germany’s international security policy in the Pacific region shifting? What is the role of the Ambassadorial offices in promoting bilateral cooperation and promoting prosperity in the Indo-Pacific? How can we deal with the increasingly ideological conflict between the USA and China in the Indo-Pacific? How can Germany and New Zealand help shape a rules-based order that also takes China into account? How can cooperation on climate policy be intensified?
We will discuss these questions with our honourable guests, New Zealand’s Ambassador to Germany, Craig Hawke and German Ambassador to New Zealand, Nicole Menzenbach. The discussion will be moderated by Sir Don McKinnon.