Chancellor Merkel to Welcome President Obama in Berlin on June 18 and 19
US President Obama will travel to Berlin for an official visit on June 18 and 19 upon the invitation of Chancellor Merkel. Chancellor Merkel is looking forward to this visit and to talking with President Obama about a broad range of bilateral and global issues, including further deepening transatlantic relations. President Obama will hold a public speech at the historic Brandenburg Gate on June 19.
“We bow before the courage of those who resisted the oppression and despotism,” Chancellor Merkel said at a memorial ceremony commemorating the 60th anniversary of the June 17th uprising in East Germany.
June 17 Uprising
"We will be watching closely whether changes in Iran following this election open up new opportunities both within the country and in its external relations," Foreign Minister Westerwelle said of Hassan Rohani’s election in the first round of the presidential election in Iran.
Elections in Iran
On June 12, 2013, German Federal President Joachim Gauk symbolically banged a hammer on the foundation stone of the future Berliner Schloss: a modern palace that will host the center of world cultures known as the Humboldt-Forum.
Berliner Schloss
The Governments of the United States and Germany held a Cyber Bilateral Meeting in Washington, DC on June 10-11, 2013.The U.S.-Germany Cyber Bilateral Meeting reinforced our long-standing alliance by highlighting our pre-existing collaboration on many key cyber issues over the course of the last decade and identifying additional areas for awareness and alignment.
Cyber Bilateral Meeting
"In responding to the protests as it has done so far, the Turkish Government is sending the wrong message to its own country and to Europe," Foreign Minister Westerwelle said on June 12. "Freedom of association and freedom of expression are inalienable fundamental rights in any democracy."
Protests in Turkey
The Federal Government for the first time honored German participants in peace missions for their dedication on the first Day of the Peacekeeper. “They are a great advert for our country. We are proud of what they are doing,” Foreign Minister Westerwelle said.
Honoring Peacekeeper
Upon the retirement of Fred B. Irwin, the American Chamber of Commerce in Germany has elected Bernhard Mattes the organization's newest president. Irwin will now be the Honorary President.
Bernhard Mattes
Hollywood stars such as George Clooney, Cate Blanchett and Oscar award-winner Geoffrey Rush are making films in and around Potsdam. George Clooney's film, "The Monuments Men" will hit theaters in 2014.
Hollywood in Germany
Like last week, your business partner takes you to the meeting room in the elevator, but this time you are up north, maybe in Kiel. It's 6 pm. Somebody steps in, looks at you, and says "Moin!" Did that person oversleep to wish "good morning" at the end of the day?
Word of the Week
German Missions
