BERLIN, May 2 -- German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier stressed his country's responsibility for maintaining world peace while addressing an event commemorating the 70th anniversary of the end of the Second World War here on Saturday.

"For Germany, the end of the war was a liberation from the Nazi tyranny ... For that freedom, Germany bears a responsibility of'never again'," said Steinmeier.

"Never again must racial hatred and hatred towards minorities find place in our society!" he noted.

The minister expressed "deep gratitude" that Germany, once caused much sufferings under the Nazi regime during WWII, is lucky enough to be able to "grow step by step into the international community again over the last seven decades."

He thanked those who had "reached out their hands to Germany" after the war, saying the friendship between his country and its neighbors as well as former war-time enemies must be further promoted.

Steinmeier also stressed Germany's responsibilities, saying"Especially we -- perhaps more than others -- should take responsibility for the preservation of an international order that ensures peace."

By implementing its foreign policy, the minister added, Germany should make further contributions in the future to promoting understanding between peoples and political solutions to conflicts as well as to maintaining peacekeeping structures.