German Foreign Minister Steinmeier resigns

German President Joachim Gauck has relieved Frank-Walter Steinmeier from the post of Foreign Minister and named Vice Chancellor and Economy Minister Sigmar Gabriel as his replacement in a ceremony on Friday.

"In the name of the Federal Republic of Germany, I relieve Frank-Walter Steinmeier from his post of Foreign Minister." Gauck said at his official residence in Bellevue Palace.

Brigitte Zypries replaced Gabriel as Economy and Energy Minister, Sputnik reports.