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Chancellor Merkel delivers remarks to a joint session of Congress on Nov. 3, 2009, as US Vice President Joe Biden (back left) and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (back right) look on.

(© dpa - Report)

Speaking before a joint meeting of the United States Congress on November 3, one week before the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, Chancellor Angela Merkel thanked America for its unlimited support in the reunification of Germany. She addressed areas of future cooperation and emphasized how important the partnership with the United States is to Germany.

Earlier in the day, President Barack Obama also called Germany “an extraordinarily strong ally.” In her meeting with President Obama, Chancellor Merkel called the opportunity to speak before Congress “a very great honor.” Chancellor Merkel met with President Obama in the Oval Office shortly before her speech in the US Capitol.

Hour of thanks

Chancellor Merkel used the occasion of her speech before Congress and the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall to thank the people of the United States on behalf of Germany for their support of democracy and freedom throughout the Cold War. The support of the United States was decisive on the road to German unity.

“On November 9, 1989, the Berlin Wall came down. The border that for decades had divided a nation into two worlds was now open. And that is why for me today is, first of all, the time to say thank you.” Merkel went on to mention the American and Allied pilots of the Berlin Airlift in 1948-49 and the 16 million Americans stationed in Germany as soldiers, diplomats and facilitators over the decades. She also recalled the statements of solidarity by US Presidents John F. Kennedy, Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush. “I know, we Germans know, how much we owe to you, our American friends. We as a nation, and I personally, will never forget that,” Merkel said to a standing ovation.

Thinking and acting in cooperation

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Chancellor Merkel is the first German head of government to address a joint meeting of the US House and Senate.

(© REGIERUNGonline/Kugler)

Moving from the triumph of freedom in the 20th century to the challenges facing the world in the 21st century, Chancellor Merkel said she viewed globalization as a global opportunity. She called for working toward a good future with common solutions and thinking in terms of partnerships and coalitions.

While Europe and America don’t always agree, the shared basis of common values is what brings Europe and America together and keeps them close, Merkel said. “I am deeply convinced that there is no better partner for Europe than America and no better partner for America than Europe,” the Chancellor said to applause.

Present day walls

In her speech, Merkel called for tearing down the walls that exist in the present day. Peace and security must be created, prosperity and justice must be provided for and climate change must be stopped. Even after the Cold War it is still necessary to tear down walls, walls in the mind that keep people from understanding each other, for which the capacity for tolerance is especially important.

Sanctions if necessary

In addressing the issue of Iran, Merkel said that an Iran that threatens Israel must not be allowed.

“For me, Israel’s security will never be open to negotiation,” Chancellor Merkel said. “Not only Israel is threatened but the entire free world. Whoever threatens Israel also threatens us.” Therefore, the free world will stand against these threats, if necessary with tough economic sanctions, she said.

Obama praises Germany’s commitment

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Chancellor Merkel and President Obama met in the Oval Office on Nov. 3, 2009.

(© dpa - Bildfunk)

Engagement in Afghanistan was also a topic of the speech. Earlier, Chancellor Merkel talked with President Obama about the future strategy. President Obama praised Germany’s efforts for the peace and stability of Afghanistan. “We appreciate the sacrifices of German soldiers in Afghanistan, and our common work there to bring peace and stability to Afghanistan and to create an environment in which the Afghan people themselves can provide for their own security,” President Obama said.

Since 2002, Germany has provided the third-largest troop contingent there. Germany wants to make the concept of networked security a success. The world must never again be threatened from Afghanistan, the Chancellor said. Civil and military commitment are inextricably linked, she emphasized.

Global order

Chancellor Merkel also addressed the global financial crisis. Economic policy must become more sustainable in order for the goal of prosperity and justice to be achieved. The globalized economy needs a global framework of rules to prevent such a crisis in the future.

Another great test for the 21st century is the urgently needed protection of our natural resources and the climate, Merkel said. She said she was pleased that President Obama and US legislators have placed a very high importance on climate protection. “We have no time to lose! We need an agreement at the climate conference in Copenhagen in December. We have to agree on one objective – global warming must not exceed two degrees Celsius.”

While Merkel knows that there can be no agreement without China and India, she said she is convinced that if Europe and the United States show themselves ready to agree to binding commitments, then China and India will join in.

Chimes of freedom

In concluding her speech, Chancellor Merkel drew her attention back to Berlin, where in 1950, American citizens donated a replica of the Liberty Bell to the Schöneberg City Hall in what was then West Berlin. That Freedom Bell rang on the night of October 3, 1990, in the first moments of the unification of Germany. It rang again in 2001, two days after 9/11.

Here the Chancellor spoke to the legislators in English.

“The Freedom Bell in Berlin is, like the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, a symbol which reminds us that freedom does not come about of itself. It must be struggled for and then defended anew every day of our lives. In this endeavor Germany and Europe will also in future remain strong and dependable partners for America. That I promise you. Thank you very much.”