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Germany Relying on Solid Transatlantic Partnership
There is broad agreement between Germany and the United States on many international issues, German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle noted following talks in Washington on November 5 with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and senators from both political parties. Afghanistan, Iran, and the future of Opel were on the agenda.
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- Foreign Minister Westerwelle and Secretary of State Clinton shake hands after responding to questions from the news media during a press conference at the US State Department on Nov. 5, 2009.
- (© dpa - Bildfunk)
Westerwelle stressed the importance of transatlantic relations at the outset of his meetings. “The United States is by far our most important partner and friend outside Europe.” With his visit, he wanted to express “the enormous importance the German Government attaches to the German-American relationship.”
The foreign minister said Germany is able to address virtually all major international issues, in particular also the Afghanistan mission, only in closest consultation with its allies – with the United States.
Afghanistan Mission Needs Joint Strategy
The German Government is relying on a policy that is coordinated, that addresses the major issues in concert with its allies, Westerwelle stressed. The same goes particularly for the Afghanistan mission: The mission will only succeed if the international community agrees on a common strategy, he added.
Clinton thanked Germany for its commitment to Afghanistan and particularly praised German efforts in creating a functioning security structure in the country.
Both sides agreed that the Karsai government must address existing mismanagement; Westerwelle expressly called for “good governance.”
Accelerating Disarmament Efforts
The new German Government would like especially to support President Obama’s peace and disarmament initiatives with its own contributions.
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- Foreign Minister Westerwelle met with Senator John Kerry, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He is accompanied by Ambassador Scharioth, among others.
- (© dpa - Report)
A window of opportunity is opening for disarmament policy, Westerwelle said. The coming months will decide whether a “decade of armament or disarmament” has begun.
Germany supports President Obama’s goal of a nuclear-free world. The German Government wants to back this initiative “not just rhetorically,” the foreign minister stressed. “We want to support it not just with words but with action.”
Opel: Topic of Discussion with Hillary Clinton
Westerwelle demanded General Motors protect jobs at Opel and pay back the granted government aid. “Jobs must be secured and retained as much as possible.”
Following the meeting with Clinton, the German foreign minister said the U.S. secretary of state had assured him that the GM decision was taken without political influence. “That was important news.”
Now jobs must be maintained in Germany and GM must, at the same time, pay back the granted government assistance. The funds are taxpayer money, and the taxpayers expect that, the foreign minister said.
Shared, Deeply Rooted Values and Interests
Westerwelle also met with several senators, including John Kerry, chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. A meeting also took place at the White House with U.S. National Security Adviser James Jones.
The United States is by far Germany’s most important partner and friend outside Europe. The two countries have long been linked by common, deeply rooted values and interests. It is clear that, to maintain and nurture the friendship, the two sides must endeavor to give new life to the relationship each and every day.
