Scholz: Deployment of US long-range weapons contributes to Germany's security
It is "clear that we make decisions with the goal of ensuring the security of our country and the alliance in mind," said Scholz. This includes strengthening air defense with various systems and the "possibility of deterrence." Scholz added: "What we aim for is to prevent a war." Therefore, there will be "no opportunities for the use of weapons that could escalate Russia's war against Ukraine into a war between Russia and NATO."
Germany and the USA announced on the evening of a Nato summit that the US army will station long-range weapons in Germany again starting in 2026, after a pause of more than 20 years.
Regarding the security situation in Asia, Scholz emphasized the importance of cooperation between Germany and Japan. The German Navy will visit Japan and participate in the monitoring of sanctions against North Korea. In addition, Germany, within the framework of an agreement that took effect on Friday, will provide logistical support for Japan's military exercises. Japan, like Germany, stands for Democracy and the "rule-based international order," both countries work closely together.
Japan's Prime Minister Kishida also emphasized his intention to strengthen the partnership with Germany and cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the military field. In this context, a Japanese training fleet is expected to call at the port of Hamburg this summer, he said.
Kishida made his first bilateral visit to Germany as a Japanese prime minister since seven years ago.
Scholz expressed his commitment to preventing a war between Russia and NATO, stating that there will be no opportunities for the use of weapons that could escalate Russia's conflict in Ukraine. Germany and the USA agreed on the stationing of US-Long-range weapons in Germany from 2026, following a 20-year pause. Scholz highlighted the importance of cooperation between Germany and Japan in maintaining the security situation in Asia. The German Navy will visit Japan and participate in sanctions monitoring against North Korea, while Germany will provide logistical support for Japan's military exercises. Kishida, the Japanese Prime Minister, also emphasized his intention to strengthen cooperation with Germany, particularly in the military field, with a Japanese training fleet expected to visit Hamburg this summer. Olaf Scholz also mentioned the shared values of democracy and the rule-based international order between Germany and Japan.
