Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, the leader of Germany's Christian Democratic Union (CDU), kicked off her first visit to Israel on Monday by addressing tensions with Iran and urging for more defense spending in Germany.
Speaking at a security conference in the city of Herzliya, she defended the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, saying that the world has not yet found a more suitable way to curb Iran's nuclear program.
"As long as that is the case, we shouldn't give it up so carelessly. At the same time, I share Israel's security concerns with regards to the aggressive expansion of Iran's regional influence," she said.
Kramp-Karrenbauer — also known as AKK — said that Germany should make more of an effort to improve equipment for the Bundeswehr and meet its requirements as a NATO member.
It is Kramp-Karrenbauer's first international trip outside of Europe since taking over the reins of the CDU after Chancellor Angela Merkel stepped down.
Kramp-Karrenbauer, who is viewed as a potential successor to Merkel in the chancellery, has been trying to boost her international profile in recent weeks after a series of political blunders at home.
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