New Zealand and Germany Sign Memorandum to Strengthen Antarctic Research Cooperation
According to a report by RNZ on May 4th, New Zealand’s Antarctic agency and Germany’s Alfred Wegener Institute have signed a memorandum of cooperation to promote collaboration between the two polar scientific research institutions. This move comes against the backdrop of China’s gradual expansion of its presence in Antarctica.
New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters stated in a press release, “The geopolitical and scientific importance of Antarctica is increasing, and this arrangement will expand connections between our marine and polar science research institutions.”
The memorandum signing took place during a state visit to New Zealand by German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, with both Peters and Baerbock witnessing the signing in Auckland.
Prior to the signing of the memorandum, New Zealand had announced a renovation plan in 2019 to refurbish its decades-old Antarctic base, but subsequently, the budget costs escalated by more than 50%.
In February of this year, due to a stalemate in negotiations with a construction company, New Zealand expressed its intention to reevaluate the project.
Antarctica lies south of New Zealand and Australia, with personnel stationed there becoming increasingly numerous. The Chinese government opened its fifth research base in Antarctica in February, raising concerns among Western governments that China’s expansion in both the Antarctic and Arctic regions could enhance monitoring capabilities for the Chinese military.
The Alfred Wegener Institute, according to its website, is Germany’s largest research institution responsible for coordinating polar research efforts in the country.
During the visit, Peters and Baerbock also discussed the conflict in the Gaza Strip, emphasizing the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire.
In April of this year, Peters addressed the United Nations General Assembly, criticizing the Security Council for failing to effectively address the Gaza conflict and urging all parties to support a ceasefire.
Peters stated New Zealand’s opposition to the use of veto power in the Security Council, which has been employed multiple times in the current Gaza conflict, hindering the council from taking more “decisive” actions.
He mentioned that Baerbock’s visit provided a good opportunity to discuss New Zealand’s perspectives on international security threats, including efforts to achieve a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Baerbock also plans to engage with other government ministers to discuss issues related to space, science, and climate change.