Germany and South Africa call on US and Iran to 'continue negotiations'

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola held a joint press conference following their meeting in the capital, Berlin. German Foreign Minister Wadephul stated that during their meeting with Lamola, they discussed political and economic relations between the two countries, the crisis in Sudan, and current developments in the Middle East in the context of the Iran conflict. Regarding the failed US-Iran talks in Pakistan, Wadephul said, "This does not mean that these negotiations have ended; on the contrary, I assume that the negotiations will continue. Even though there is no peace in Islamabad, the ceasefire is holding, and I can call on both sides to continue to utilize this period. It is in the interest of the world community. It is in the interest of this region, and I think it is in the interest of both, or all three."

"The Strait of Hormuz must remain open, this is a requirement of maritime law"

Drawing attention to the economic difficulties experienced globally due to the Iran conflict and the crisis in ship traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, Wadephul said, "There is concern that there will be widespread famine this summer on the African continent because fertilizers cannot be transported. There is a severe shortage of fossil fuels in large parts of Asia. Therefore, it is an urgent necessity to clarify these issues immediately and to ensure that this route remains an international maritime transport route, free and open. This is a requirement of maritime law and must be taken into account by everyone. Making this a reality should be the effort of us all."

"Hungary election results are a success story"

Regarding the outcome of the Hungarian elections, Wadephul said, "I was very impressed to see how convincingly and clearly the voters decided to support Europe and thus our solidarity and a better future for their country. We feel this new spirit of beginning in Hungary, and we are extending our hand to comprehensively renew and expand relations between Germany and Hungary for a stronger Hungary and a stronger Europe."

Wadephul added, "It must be said that this is very impressive. Because the opposition here faced obstacles that would not be expected in an EU member state. Ultimately, this was a success story for democracy, the European vision, and human rights. It was a sign of great solidarity within a democracy and in Europe, especially against Russia, which is making various attempts. Europe needs a strong Hungary."

"Mutual trust must be established for the continuation of negotiations"

South African Foreign Minister Lamola began his speech by emphasizing the historical, economic, and cultural relations between his country and Germany. Pointing out that the negotiations held between the US and Iran in Pakistan, which ended in failure, must continue, Lamola said, "Negotiations are the only way. Negotiations must be maintained. Dialogue must be deepened, and a comprehensive, lasting peace solution must be found. We are very disappointed by the sudden end of hours of negotiations. In a conflict of this magnitude and nature, it takes some time to engage in dialogue with each other, and we believe that the parties need to be more patient and should grant each other more room for maneuver and flexibility for negotiations."

"A military solution is not possible, the conflict must end at the negotiating table"

Stating that mutual trust must be built on the path to peace between the US and Iran, Lamola said, "However, if they do not do this and continue to take military measures, this is not a good sign for the negotiations. This is not promising. A conflict of this scale requires predictability, trust, patience, and tolerance, and when all these factors come together, things can work out. This is what we need in the situation between Iran and the US. All parties must understand this. These factors must be brought together. Looking at Washington right now, I see a lack of patience and tolerance."

Lamola added, "Without negotiations, a military solution is not possible. This conflict must end at the negotiating table, not by force of arms. This cannot be solved by force of arms, nor by drones and missiles."