The European Union (EU) should co-exist peacefully with other powers while seeking strategic sovereignty in today's multi-polar world, the new German chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Friday.

The modern world "will not be as bipolar as some are speculating," Scholz told a press conference after meeting with European Council President Charles Michel. Rather, he said it will be a multi-polar world with "many powers" including the U.S., Russia, China, Japan, India and other strong emerging nations.

To work in a multilateral way should "be on the map of the European Union when it comes to engaging with the rest of the world," said Scholz.

"We do need to ensure that we can all live together peacefully, and it won't be easy. But that is the challenge we face and we will have to take up."

Scholz stressed that Germany, a large country at the heart of the EU, has an important role to play in ensuring progress and a bright future for Europe.

Along with the German foreign minister, Scholz will be responsible for deciding on the biggest European economy's foreign policy line..

Scholz flew to Brussels from Paris, on the first leg of his maiden overseas trip as the German chancellor. He also met the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, on Friday.

A German politician herself, von der Leyen said Germany had always had "an important role in shaping the Union" and she was looking forward to "a very strong collaboration with the new Germany."

On Thursday, the new German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock visited Brussels. It was not a coincidence that she arrived in the 'capital of Europe' on her second day in office, she said. "I come here as a true European by heart, and as a foreign minister of a truly European government in Germany."

The EU's top diplomat Josep Borrell described Baerbock's visit as "highly symbolic," saying it demonstrated Germany's attachment to the EU.