| |
|
|
|
|
|
||
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
|
|||||
|
|||||
|
Address by Saxony Minister President Georg Milbradt at the Day of German Unity Reception German Embassy, Washington October 3, 2006 Frau Botschafter, My wife and I are delighted and honored that you have accepted our invitation to join us in celebrating the Day of German Unity. The Third of October is the most joyous day in German history. German unification 16 years ago ended the tragic division of Germany into two states and, indeed, the separation of Europe and the rest of the world into two blocs. The people of Saxony were instrumental in bringing down the Berlin Wall.
Their resolve and peaceful protest broke the shackles of Communist rule.
They laid the foundations for a united Germany, free and democratic. It is a great honor to have the chief architects of German unity with us here tonight. Welcome, Mr. President, herzlich wilkommen, Herr Bundeskanzler. Many European neighbors back then feared the prospect of a united Germany. You did not. Rather, you led the way to German unification. You saw that it was good for Germany, good for Europe, and good for the world. And you convinced all those who had misgivings and doubts. Mr. President, it can’t be said enough how much we owe to the United States for making reunification possible. We shall always be grateful to you and the American people for supporting Chancellor Kohl and us, the German people, in their bid for unity.
America’s commitment has also played a vital role in Saxony’s recovery from Communism. With the fall of the Berlin Wall, all trade restrictions to the West disappeared. Since then, America has again become Saxony’s biggest trade partner and the most important source of foreign direct investment. These economic ties between America and Saxony trace back to the late 18th century. Then as today, Saxony was bustling with industrial activity and was a hub of commerce between East and West. As a pioneer of the Industrial Revolution in Germany, Saxony was a natural trade partner for America.
These ties were disrupted when Saxony came under Nazi and, later, Communist rule. When that period ended in 1990, Saxons and Americans were able to forge their ties anew. I want to thank all the Americans who have contributed to Saxony’s success since reunification — for instance, AMD, which has played a big part in making our capital Dresden into one of the top five semiconductor locations worldwide. But there is more to Saxony than industry and commerce. There are the cultural treasures and the beautiful landscapes, of which
our presentation might give you an impression. There is also the beer
and wine, which you will have the opportunity to sample tonight. Perhaps you will feel this attraction tonight. You are invited to explore Saxony and its opportunities more closely. It’s where Germany is at its most modern, dynamic, and innovative. Mr. President, Mr. Chancellor, thank you very much for all you have done for us in Germany, especially in the East. Herr Botschafter, danke für ihre Gastfreundschaft.
|
|
 Newsletters
 Printer-Friendly
Page
Email This Article |
||
|
|||||
|
|||||
