On Saturday, New Zealand’s Antarctic agency signed a memorandum of understanding with Germany’s Alfred Wegener Institute. This fosters cooperation amid China’s growing presence in Antarctica.
“Antarctica is of increasing geostrategic and scientific interest, and this arrangement will broaden connections between our marine and polar science institutes,” New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters said in a press release.
Peters and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock witnessed the MOU’s signing in Auckland. During the visit, they also discussed events in Gaza.
After talks stalled with a construction firm, New Zealand reassessed its proposed overhaul of the decades-old Antarctica base. Consequently, the Antarctic deal emerged.
In 2019, New Zealand announced plans to revamp the base but since then projected costs have surged by more than 50 percent.
The Antarctic, located south of New Zealand and Australia, sees increased activity, including China’s fifth research base opening in February. Western governments express concern over China’s expanded presence, fearing enhanced surveillance capabilities for the PLA.
The Alfred Wegener Institute is the largest scientific organisation in Germany and coordinates German polar research efforts, according to its website.
As the Antarctica Cooperation MOU takes effect, stakeholders anticipate fruitful outcomes in polar research and environmental conservation. Firstly, the agreement fosters diplomatic relations and goodwill between New Zealand and Germany. Additionally, it provides a framework for ongoing collaboration and dialogue on Antarctica-related issues.
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