German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius expressed confidence that his trip to Canada to promote German submarines has been successful and a deal is within reach. 'I was hopeful when I traveled here, I was hopeful during my stay and I am also departing with hope,' he said in Montreal on Thursday.

Germany is trying to convince Canada to purchase up to 12 new submarines from German manufacturer Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), but faces competition from South Korea. 'Together, we can build the biggest and most modern conventional submarine fleet in the world,' said Pistorius, noting that NATO partners Germany and Norway have already ordered TKMS vessels.

Such 'interoperability' among NATO allies is an 'immense military advantage,' he said, but faced criticism for spending only three days in Canada compared to the weeks-long promotional tour by South Korean competitors. 'We're Europeans, perhaps we operate differently to the Asians when it comes to these sorts of things,' said Pistorius. 'But we're in a competition and may the best [offer] win.'

Canada is expected to make a decision in the coming weeks. 'It's the sovereign decision of the Canadian government,' said Pistorius. 'We're anticipating it and we will accept it.'

Source: www.dw.com