On yet another occasion, issues with aircraft have disrupted the diplomatic efforts of German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock. This instance saw her travel plans to Australia facing disruption due to mechanical complications.
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| German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has already had problems with the German government aircraft |
Annalena Baerbock, the German Foreign Minister, found herself grounded in Abu Dhabi after her plane encountered mechanical problems on Monday.
Baerbock's intended journey to Australia, marking the beginning of a week-long visit to the Pacific region, including discussions in New Zealand and Fiji, was impacted. Following a refueling stop in Abu Dhabi, the flight carrying Baerbock and her team had to discharge fuel and reverse course.
Sebastian Fischer, a spokesperson from the German Foreign Office who was aboard the flight, explained, "Due to a mechanical issue, we are required to return to Abu Dhabi for safety reasons. We are currently working on alternative travel arrangements."
Herzlichen Dank an die Crew der Flugbereitschaft @Team_Luftwaffe für die sichere Landung!
— Sebastian Fischer (@SFischer_EU) August 14, 2023
Wegen eines mechanischen Problems mit den Landeklappen mussten wir unsere Reise nach Australien unterbrechen und aus Sicherheitsgründen zunächst nach Abu Dhabi zurückkehren. pic.twitter.com/t9S2aS0kc6
Patrick Diekman, a journalist accompanying the foreign minister, shared on the platform X (formerly known as Twitter) that the extent of the aircraft damage needed assessment. He also noted that immediate resumption of the flight was precluded by labor regulations.
Shortly after take-off, the captain informed passengers about difficulties with retracting the landing flaps.
Disruptions in Diplomacy
This isn't the first time aviation issues have impeded German diplomatic missions.
In mid-May, Baerbock was stranded in Doha, Qatar, due to a flat tire on her official government aircraft.
The previous year, she had to cancel a meeting with her British counterpart after her plane was grounded in Ireland due to icy conditions.
Baerbock's Maiden Voyage to Australia
During her inaugural trip to Australia, Baerbock's agenda includes visits to both the capital, Canberra, and the bustling metropolis, Sydney. Additionally, she plans to hold discussions with Foreign Minister Penny Wong in Sydney.
According to the official website of the German Foreign Office, Baerbock's key focus in talks with regional partners will encompass economic security, Russia's conflict with Ukraine, and China's role in the Indo-Pacific region.
Scheduled for Tuesday in Canberra, Baerbock is set to participate in a ceremony at an Aboriginal studies institute. The event involves the return of cultural artifacts to representatives of the Indigenous Kaurna community.
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