At this time of year, the clear blue skies over Northern Australia make for a stunning view.

The conditions for the Australian Air Force RAAF's joint exercise Pitch Black with our international military partners, in which we simulate realistic threats, are perfect.

Seventeen nations come together at one of the largest air force training grounds in the world.

This year, Germany is also taking part for the first time.

As Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister of Australia, I personally welcomed the Eurofighters and German Air Force personnel to the RAAF base in Darwin.

That they were able to reach the Indo-Pacific in just 24 hours is impressive.

And it shows the increasing determination of German-Australian cooperation on security issues in our region.

Germany and Australia are important partners and maintain a deep friendship and share similar values.

Our liberal democracies are committed to a world order in which all states adhere to international rules and principles.

We work together for multilateralism, human rights and free trade, and for the strength and stability of our regions.

In the midst of the greatest strategic tensions of recent decades, our bilateral relationship is now more important than ever.

Tensions mount

Increasing strategic and geoeconomic competition – evident in the return of war in Europe – increasing climate risks and the lasting effects of the pandemic are fueling inflation, supply chain shocks and deglobalisation.

Australia condemns Russia's illegal, brutal and unjustified invasion of Ukraine.

It is a tragic reminder that peace and prosperity can never be taken for granted.

Together we must protect the sovereignty of all states.

The rule of law, not brute force, must be the basis of international action.

That is why Australia is standing with Germany to strengthen Ukraine's self-defense and is providing military aid worth 270 million euros.

The fact that Russia is trying to blackmail Germany by stopping energy supplies clearly shows that mutual economic dependencies alone cannot prevent conflicts.

On our doorstep, in the Indo-Pacific, we are witnessing troubling developments that are threatening the very existence of the entire world: the largest build-up since World War II, led by China's massive build-up in its military capabilities.

No time for going it alone

Tensions are increasing, as is state-directed provocation.

The actors blur the boundaries between conflict and peace, violence and coercion are used to enforce territorial claims.

Australia represents peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.

The sovereignty of all peoples, large and small, must be respected.

We know: Germany also has this goal.

This is no time for going it alone.

Rather, now is the time for more cooperation between friends and partners like Germany and Australia, who hold sovereignty and the rule of law as fundamental principles.

Our defense and security partnership with Germany is of great value to Australia, such as last year's visit of the frigate Bayern to the Indo-Pacific and the current participation of the Luftwaffe in Pitch Black.

In September, we will welcome German forces to our Kakadu naval exercise, and we have also invited Germany to exercise Talisman Saber 2023.

But our partnership offers other exciting perspectives: Australia wants to become a superpower of renewable energies.

When it comes to solar and wind resources, we are among the world leaders.

Through derivatives of green hydrogen such as ammonia, these energy sources can also contribute to the German energy and era change.

We have deposits of many important minerals that are essential to decarbonising the economy and cornerstones of a secure and reliable supply chain for a powerful German manufacturing and high-tech industry.

We are both supporters of free trade and want to underscore our commitment through a trade agreement with the EU.

The new Australian government will accompany Germany with its ambitious climate policy goals as a partner in all global projects to avert the climate catastrophe.

Our countries must stand together as never before.

Because our planet and the international systems that make life on earth possible are under great pressure.

Despite the geographical distance, we share the same values.

We see the rule of law as the basis for peace and flourishing economies.

And we are united by our decisive action to protect the climate.

That's why I came to Germany, barely three months after our new government took office.

As our pilots take to the skies of Northern Australia together, I will begin a new partnership with my German colleagues to tackle the great challenges of our time together.

Richard Marles is an Australian Member of Parliament, Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of Defense.