(ANSA) - BERLIN, 20 LUG - German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul is stepping up efforts to build stronger alliances with partners across Africa amid U.S. protectionist policies and China's increasingly assertive stance. "Especially at a time of major global geopolitical upheaval, reliable cooperation with our African partners is essential," the CDU politician said ahead of visits to Mauritania, Nigeria and South Africa. This is Wadephul's third trip to Africa this year. In January, he visited Kenya and Ethiopia, followed by a trip to Morocco in late April. Europe and Africa are closely interconnected politically, economically, and in terms of security, and face many of the same challenges, the German foreign minister said, underscoring the need for closer cooperation. (ANSA).