The year 2009 is a very crucial year in terms of determining how the world will live together in the future, Chancellor Merkel said on Thursday after arriving in Washington, DC, for a meeting with President Barack Obama on Friday. Speaking at a ceremony at the Library of Congress at which she received the Atlantik-Brücke’s Eric M. Warburg Award, Chancellor Merkel stressed the importance of the transatlantic relationship in addressing key global issues.

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Chancellor Merkel spoke at the Library of Congress in accepting the Atlantik-Brücke's Eric M. Warburg Award on June 25, 2009.

(© BPA; by Bergmann)

What makes the transatlantic relationship special is that it is based on the foundation of common values, values  that hold the respect for the individual as indivisible, she said. Success in addressing global issues, like the international economic and financial crisis, the current situation in Iran, among others, will depend on how convincing those values are globally, Merkel said.

The transatlantic partnership must be continually renewed and fostered, she said. The new US administration offers the opportunity to set new courses in several matters. Chancellor Merkel said she has observed with interest and delight the way in which President Obama seems to open doors, in the Middle East conflict, the situation in Afghanistan and on climate change, for example. “We as Europeans, as Germans have an essential interest in seeing that these policies are successful,” she said of President Obama.

Chancellor Merkel went on to address three main themes, security policy, the international economic and financial crisis and climate protection.

Security Policy

The current situation in Iran “poses a core question to our values,” and Germany stands on the side of those who are fighting for their rights, Merkel said. She underscored that Iran must not be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons. She reiterated the willingness for negotiations, but pointed to further sanctions should negotiations fail. Merkel also said that Germany would stand at the side of the US in addressing Iran’s nuclear program. Merkel made clear once again that recognition of Israel’s right to exist is part of the German state’s core beliefs.

Merkel also addressed the Middle East peace process and said it was important to continue to pursue the goal of a two-state solution. While some may grow impatient for peace, Merkel, who grew up in Communist East Germany, said, “we know how long we had to wait for the Cold War to end.” It would be wrong to be allow oneself to be distracted from the goal, she said.

Turning her attention to disarmament and Russia, Chancellor Merkel said Russia can be a partner, something Europe even has an interest in. However, Europe would also expect Russia to more strongly orient itself to “our ideas of human rights and democracy.”

Economic and financial crisis

In dealing with the international economic and financial crisis, Chancellor Merkel renewed her call for more regulation of financial markets and major banks. States must make clear to their citizens that the economy is there for the people, not that the people are there to serve the economy, Merkel said. She said she was pleased that the US administration has taken up her call to develop a charter for sustainable economic activity at the G-20 Summit in Pittsburgh in September.

Climate change

Chancellor Merkel said she would follow with interest the vote in the House of Representatives on Friday on the American Clean Energy and Security Act. In noting how much US attitudes on climate protection have changed in recent years, Chancellor Merkel recalled her disappointment as German Environment Minister in 1997 when the US Senate voted against the Kyoto Protocol. It is essential now that the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, charged with developing a follow-on agreement to Kyoto, is a success, Merkel said.

Eric M. Warburg Award

The Berlin-based Atlantik-Brücke (Atlantic Bridge) recognized Chancellor Merkel with its highest award for her efforts in strengthening the German-US relationship. In his laudation, former US Senator Chuck Hagel recalled his numerous meetings with Merkel before she was even Chancellor, saying he was struck by her keen focus, ability to get to the core of an issue quickly and her humanity. Upon taking office, Chancellor Merkel helped return German-US relations to a 21st century foundation, Hagel said. “Transatlantic relations must be broad, deep and strong if we are to move forward in the 21st century,” Hagel said. “Germany is a friend, close ally and critical partner to the US. The strength of this relationship is essential.”