German Chancellor Olaf Scholz addresses students of BITS Pilani in Vasco, Goa
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is in India on his three-day visit. Meanwhile, on Saturday he stated that borders should not be changed through “war or the use of force.” Now the time has come to develop relationships in such a way that they are on the same level. Nobody tells others what to do.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said this while speaking to students of Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani in Vasco during his visit to Goa. He said that Russia's attack on Ukraine is currently the greatest threat to international peace, because its goal is to change borders.
Scholz spoke to BITS Pilani students and described respect for national borders as the basis of peace. During this time he also visited the German warship FGS Baden-Wurttemberg which is located in the port of Mormugao.
“The biggest threat is Russian aggression”
In response to a question he mentioned the war between Russia and Ukraine. Scholz said: “Of the crises and conflicts we are seeing today, the greatest threat to international security and peace is Russia's aggression against Ukraine.” He said there is only one reason for this and that is the intention to change the boundaries.
He said: 'What we agreed in the United Nations peace and security agreements and in many other regional agreements, for example in the agreements relating to Europe, is that borders cannot be destroyed by war or the use of force. If you are a small country, then this is the basis of peace.
Scholz recalled that 'a Kenyan ambassador to the United Nations once told the Security Council that the borders of African countries were drawn by officials of colonial powers. If we all try to find the true border and fight a war, there will be war in Africa for 9 years.
There are good relations between India and Germany: Scholz
Scholz said many Indians now live in Germany, including about 50,000 students, 50 percent more than in 2022. Referring to the good relations between India and Germany, Scholz said: “I am glad to know that Indian students have become the largest number of foreign students studying at German universities. The German Chancellor stated that India and Germany are moving forward together with innovation, dynamism and continuity.
He discussed these issues with Prime Minister Modi-Scholz.
Pointing out the need to ensure security of maritime borders for smooth trade, he said countries must follow international rules. Scholz said: “I completely agree that everyone should follow the rules laid out in these universal agreements.”
Also Read: Skillful diplomacy resulted in S Jaishankar speaking on India-China patrol agreement on LAC.
He said: 'These rules should not be set by the most powerful countries. These should be rules that we develop together, as the United Nations Court on the Law of the Sea believes. Scholz said he discussed these issues with Prime Minister Modi and we agreed that this is an important aspect.
