Foreign policy is one of a state’s most basic tasks. It includes fostering international relations through the Diplomatic Service, negotiations on treaties of international law, such as trade agreements, or inter-cultural exchange through the national cultural institutions. The European process of integration and EU enlargement are currently the greatest challenges for German foreign policy.

Precisely in view of globalisation, international commitment to human rights [German] is an important contribution to shaping a fairer and more secure world. A particular opportunity in this connection is the current membership of the Federal Republic of Germany in the UN Security Council. The current debate about extending the traditional idea of security can be enriched by Gender Mainstreaming, since, as in the concept of human security, the so-called “private” is also included in the definition of security.

There are a few Gender aspects which are important in foreign policy.