THE PRESIDENT'S REPLY
TO THE REMARKS OF THE
NEWLY APPOINTED AMBASSADOR
OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY
WOLFGANG ISCHINGER
UPON THE OCCASION OF THE PRESENTATION OF HIS LETTER OF CREDENCE

July 31, 2001

Mr. Ambassador:

I am pleased to accept your Letter of Credence from President Johannes Rau, which establishes you as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Germany, and I acknowledge the Letter of Recall of your distinguished predecessor, Juergen Chrobog. Thank you for your greetings on behalf of your government and welcome to Washington.

We can take great pride in what our two nations have accomplished together during the past 50 years. Through pressures, upheavals, and perils, Germany and the United States stood together in defense of liberty, justice, prosperity, and security for all Europeans.

The fall of the Berlin Wall ushered in a new and promising era. The United States stood firmly by Germany's side as it worked to overcome the half-century division of its own country and that of Europe. Germany was equal to this historic challenge, skillfully energizing the Two-Plus-Four process to establish a united Germany, the keystone to an increasingly united, peaceful and prosperous Europe.

When ancient animosities in the Balkans emerged and began to unravel the fabric of Southeastern Europe, Germany more than met the challenge, contributing its generosity, its people, and its courage. You, Mr. Ambassador, played a key role in that effort.

The United States is committed to working closely with Germany to achieve our common goal of a democratic Europe whole, free, and at peace. The transatlantic agenda remains a full one. Regional crises will continue to demand our attention and care. New, unconventional threats will challenge our resources and creativity. The nations of Eastern Europe seek tangible assurances that they will participate fully in a widening circle of peace and prosperity. NATO enlargements, ESDI, and missile defense will present challenges and opportunities for us. The problems of climate change require that we engage constructively with each other to find feasible and effective solutions. I wish to assure you, Mr. Ambassador, that we will seek and value your views on these and other matters in the months ahead.

Mr. Ambassador, I wish you every success in Washington as the United States and Germany face the challenges and opportunities ahead of us. I hope you find your work here fulfilling and that you enjoy your stay in the United States. Please accept my best wishes for you personally and for the people of Germany.

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