Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has prepared Egypt for the fact that the human rights situation in the country will have a greater impact on future arms deliveries.
There should only be exceptions to a "restrictive policy" in justified individual cases and after careful examination, said Baerbock on Saturday in Cairo at a joint appearance with her Egyptian counterpart Samih Schukri.
The human rights situation in particular plays an important role here.
"Of course, this will also affect countries that have previously been major recipients of German arms exports."
Egypt has held a top position in German arms export statistics for three years.
Arms deliveries to the North African country are therefore extremely controversial.
Critics see a disastrous human rights situation there.
Under the leadership of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, the government is cracking down on critics and opponents with a heavy hand.
Tens of thousands of people are in prison because of it.
In addition to Schukri, Baerbock also met Egypt's President in Cairo.
She explained that she spoke “openly and honestly” with her interlocutors about the human rights situation.
In the long term, security and stability can only exist "where everyone has prospects and the opportunity to play a peaceful role in politics and society."
Shukri, in turn, replied that Egypt did not make relations with other countries conditional.
The basis is mutual respect and non-interference in internal affairs.
His country turned to Germany for arms supplies to protect its national security and borders.
Egypt's contribution to security and stability in the region has a direct impact on security in Europe, Schukri explained.
Cairo is the last stop on Baerbock's Middle East trip.
She had previously visited Israel and Jordan in the past two days.