German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul will set off on Monday on a multi-day trip to the three South American Mercosur countries of Paraguay, Argentina and Brazil.
But he first plans to meet his US counterpart Marco Rubio during a stopover in Washington. The renewed escalation of tensions between the United States and Iran is likely to be the focus of the meeting.
The US and Iran accuse each other of violating the ceasefire after the signing of a framework agreement had been expected to ease tensions. There have been new attacks from both sides.
Ukraine and NATO summit also on agenda
Apart from the Middle East, Wadephul's talks with Rubio would also cover further support for Ukraine and preparations for the NATO summit in Ankara in July, a Foreign Office spokesman said.
After the Washington meeting, Germany's top diplomat plans to travel on Monday afternoon to the Paraguayan capital Asunción to take part in the Mercosur summit on Tuesday.
The European Union and the South American Mercosur states of Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay formed a huge new free trade zone in May. The agreement is intended to boost the exchange of goods and services through the gradual reduction of trade barriers and tariffs.
In Germany, major long-term opportunities are seen, especially for the automotive industry, mechanical engineering and the pharmaceutical sectors.
