Foreign Minister Wadephul has to take the train due to weather chaos - Freezing Rain Disrupts German Foreign Minister’s Baltic Diplomatic Mission
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul faced unexpected travel disruptions on Monday, February 14, 2022. Freezing rain in Berlin forced a last-minute change to his itinerary, delaying his official visits to Latvia and Sweden. The trip was part of a broader diplomatic effort to discuss security in the Baltic region.
Wadephul’s journey began with a setback when extreme weather grounded flights in Berlin. His team quickly rearranged plans, shifting the departure point from the capital to Leipzig. An hour-long train delay further slowed progress, but the delegation eventually reached Leipzig, where a German Air Force Airbus awaited them.
The original schedule included a stop in Riga, where Wadephul was set to meet Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs. A keynote speech and talks with Foreign Minister Baiba Braže were also on the agenda. However, the weather-related delays put these appointments at risk of rescheduling. From Riga, the minister had intended to travel directly to Stockholm. There, he was due to meet Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Stenergard for discussions on Baltic Sea security. The unplanned changes left the timing of these meetings uncertain. Despite the challenges, Wadephul remained committed to fulfilling his diplomatic obligations in both Riga and Stockholm. The German delegation worked to adjust the schedule, though some engagements may have required postponement.
The travel disruptions highlighted the unpredictability of winter weather on diplomatic logistics. Wadephul’s team continued efforts to ensure key meetings in Latvia and Sweden took place as planned. The discussions on Baltic Sea security remained a priority for the German Foreign Ministry.
