Foreign Minister Steinmeier's Message to U.S. Congress in The Atlantic Times

August 1, 2006

Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier wrote a message of greeting to U.S. senators and representatives in a special edition of The Atlantic Times newspaper distributed on Capitol Hill on July 27 before the summer recess.

"Together with European integration, the transatlantic partnership constitutes the most important pillar of German foreign policy. Both were strategic imperatives for the Federal Republic after World War II, and they both cleared Germany's path back to the community of Europe's free nations. Ever since, the United States has been our closest ally outside Europe.

The foundation of this partnership are our common values and interests. There is no other region of the globe with which we are as closely iintegrated economically. Innumerable personal friendships unite the people of our two nations. I always enjoy coming back to the United States and value discussions with our American friends – both in the government and in Congress.

Only together can we Germans and Americans rise to the challenges of the 21 st century. Germany stands alongside the United States in the fight against international terrorism. In Afghanistan and the Balkans, we play an important role together with our American friends towards stabilizing key regions. Together, we are making every effort to find a solution to the conflict surrounding Iran's nuclear program. And we are seeking to defuse the current crisis in the Middle East in close cooperation with the United States.

The United States can count on Germany. We will continue to be a good partner in the future, critical when necessary, but always reliable."

August 1, 2006

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