The Federal President's role in the international arena

According to the Basic Law, the Federal President is not part of the executive and stands above the three branches of government. That applies also to the realm of foreign policy. He can, however, focus public attention on long-term issues that need to be addressed but are not on the Government's current agenda.
Since in terms of international law the Federal President represents the Federal Republic of Germany, clearly he also plays a prominent role in foreign relations, receiving and visiting foreign heads of state and government and holding political talks. That gives him the opportunity, in close consultation with the Federal Government, to develop a certain international profile of his own not only through his trips abroad - only some of which are actual state visits - but also through his speeches. In his speeches on foreign policy he may comment on important international issues like EU reform and enlargement or the maintenance of peace and stability as well as salient bilateral concerns. He also acts as patron of various endeavours intended to serve such purposes. In such cases he is generally joint patron together with other heads of state.

Federal President Köhler is a strong advocate of good-neighbourliness in foreign affairs. The European success story of the past half-century is eloquent proof of how integration and good-neighbourliness have enhanced the security and prosperity of the countries participating in this endeavour.

Under Article 59 of the Basic Law, international treaties are concluded on behalf of the Federal Republic by the Federal President or a person so authorized by him. Another of the head of state's duties is to issue letters of credence to German ambassadors and to receive foreign ambassadors.