Australia-Germany 70 Years of Diplomatic Relations

70th Anniversary

On 28 January 1952, Australia and Germany established diplomatic relations. Over the ensuing 70 years, Australia and Germany have forged a close, like-minded partnership with strong shared values. Our relationship is underpinned by close people-to-people links - around one million Australia residents are of German descent and over 100,000 Australian residents were born in Germany.

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Australia and Germany share strong bilateral and investment links. In 2020, Germany was Australia’s 9th largest trading partner, with two‑way trade in goods and services totalling over $21 billion. Australia’s stock of investment in Germany totalled almost $89 billion and was our 7th largest investment destination in 2020, while Germany invested over $47 billion into Australia that year.

We also share strong ties in innovation and research. There are over 300 partnerships and cooperation agreements between Australian and German universities.

Australia warmly welcomes Germany’s contributions in supporting an open, inclusive and resilient Indo-Pacific, including through Germany’s Indo-Pacific Guidelines (2020). In 2021, Australia was pleased to host the German frigate Bayern in Perth and Darwin.

Australia and Germany are strategic partners and cooperate on a many international issues. We work together closely to support democracy, the international rule of law, free and open trade, the protection of human rights and multilateralism. We continue to be steadfast partners in supporting the global recovery from COVID-19.

Australia-Germany Enhanced Strategic Partnership

Australia and Germany work closely to implement foreign, strategic, economic and scientific initiatives under the Australia-Germany Enhanced Strategic Partnership. The Partnership commits Australia and Germany to broadening their strategic alignment in the Indo-Pacific, strengthening economic, scientific and technological cooperation, and enhancing cooperation in multilateral institutions. The Partnership was signed by Foreign Ministers on 10 June 2021.

Australia-Germany Hydrogen Accord

Australia and Germany cooperate closely on a series of new initiatives to accelerate the development of a hydrogen industry through the Australia-Germany Hydrogen Accord. The Australia-Germany Hydrogen Accord was announced by Prime Minister Morrison and former Chancellor Angela Merkel at the G7+ summit in June 2021.