Canberra: Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and her German counterpart Johann Wadephul on Wednesday vowed to "manage change" and defend the UN during a meeting in Canberra.

According to Anadolu Agency, the German top diplomat's visit highlights the strong relationship between the two countries and the growing importance of their partnership in what is not only a rapidly changing world but an increasingly challenged one, Wong remarked in her opening address as per a readout by the Australian Foreign Ministry.

"We're middle powers, and we know that by working together, by building coalitions and partnerships, we work to manage the change that we are all experiencing and to deliver better outcomes for our people," Wong added.

Wadephul emphasized the necessity of defending the international rules-based system. "We have to defend the United Nations as our peace organization, and doing this side by side, shoulder to shoulder with Australia is very important in these times," he said. He also stressed the growing importance of security and economic security, advocating for a policy of derisking to withstand pressures from major powers, thereby preserving both economic and political independence.

The discussion between Wong and Wadephul also covered the situation in Ukraine. Wong expressed Australia's support for Germany in backing Ukraine, emphasizing the defense of sovereignty, freedom, and security on the European continent. She underscored the need for a "just and lasting peace on Ukraine's terms," one that safeguards Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity while promoting security and stability in Europe to prevent any renewed aggression from Russia.

Canberra and Berlin maintain enhanced strategic cooperation, having established diplomatic ties in 1952. Bilateral trade between Australia and Germany was around $16 billion in 2024.