Mr Koehler, 67, claimed that, as a country dependent on exports, military deployments could be "necessary... in order to defend our interests, for example free trade routes."

Although he did not mention Afghanistan, many took his comments to refer to Germany's presence in the country.

Opposition politicians spoke out, claiming the president's statement would damage public acceptance of German military missions abroad.

German president Horst Koehler

Mr Koehler defended his words saying he was not referring to Afghanistan, but anti-piracy patrols off the coast of Somalia.

The issue of German troops abroad is a very touch subject in parts of Europe.