Benchmarks

A Vibrant Partnership

I am often asked to predict the future of German-American relations and how our two nations can foster global stability. To predict the future, there is no better place to start than the present. On a daily basis, the United States and Germany advance multiple common interests around the world. Our relationship is no longer simply bilateral; it is multilateral and multidimensional, reflecting the intersecting political, economic, social and cultural realities of the 21st century on which global security is dependent. Germany is today and will continue to be one of America’s strongest partners. President Obama’s decision to award Chancellor Angela Merkel the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest honor that any civilian can receive in the United States, is a testament to the Chancellor’s extraordinary life story. The award also, however, sums up the essence of our alliance – two peoples, bound by common values and committed to a future built on the security, the prosperity, and the dignity not just of our own citizens, but of people around the world.

Working Together

Together, the United States and Germany stand up for democracy in Europe and beyond – and will continue to do so. As one of the world’s most unwavering supporters of human rights and democracy, Germany is at the center of European politics. Germany is not only an economic powerhouse within the European Union; it is also one of America’s largest investment, trade and financial partners. The transatlantic economy accounts for more than half of world trade, and the numbers are even higher when it comes to investment. In terms of innovation, the United States and Germany lead the world. Our two countries have the best research institutions and universities and the most inventive companies. Every day, we prove that competition does not rule out cooperation. By unlocking new innovations and advancing the technologies that will be the foundation of the industries of the future, we not only grow our economies, we set an example for the world. Together we are working to ensure global economic growth and to build the institutional capacities in developing countries that will have the largest effect in attaining the peace and prosperity that all people desire. Secretary Clinton often compares diplomacy to playing chess while walking on a tightrope. Here in Germany, we see it as a merger of chess and soccer as we advance the ball on the playing fields of the global landscape. In order to score the goals and make the points that need to be made, Team USA and Team Germany will continue to play together in the league of champions for our overarching objectives of peace, security, democracy and prosperity.

— Ambassador Philip Murphy

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