The deepening of the raw materials trade relationship between Germany and Chile is a strategically important step towards reducing Germany’s dependence on China, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said at a meeting with her Chilean counterpart in Berlin Thursday.
“In these turbulent global times, foreign economic policy is also security policy,” said Baerbock.
Chilean Foreign Minister Alberto van Klaveren said there are great opportunities for closer cooperation with Germany and Europe in the field of green hydrogen.
He said Chile wants a stronger European presence in Latin America.
“Latin America is a natural ally of Europe,” he said, according to the official translation.
Baerbock said Chile, with the world’s largest copper and lithium deposits, plays a key role in the global transition to electric-powered vehicles. Both materials are essential components in many batteries.
Baerbock has already expressed concern that Germany is too dependent on China for the supply of these materials, creating strategic risks.
Baerbock said that trade in raw materials between the two countries should be expanded, “because less dependence and more diversification means more security for everyone”.
