Deputy Chief of Mission John M. Koenig
Berlin, June 30, 2007.
Leonhard Fischer, Juergen Reuning, Dr. Hildegard Boucseln, friends of the Aspen Institute, it’s a pleasure to attend your 4th of July celebration. I would like to use this opportunity to officially welcome the new director of the Aspen Institute, Charles King Mallory IV.
The Aspen Institute is one of the key policy institutions in Berlin. Over the years, the Embassy has valued both the work that the Institute does and the close working relationship with the staff. I am sure it hasn’t hurt that it is a tradition that the director has previous experience in or with the federal government. You know how we tick.
Since it was established in 1974, the Aspen Institute has been a barometer of the issues that drive the German-American relationship. You have provided perspective and context during periods of challenge and change, and also during times of tension and disagreement. Today on the last day of the German presidency of the EU and looking back at the G8 Summit and all the meetings that preceded it, I can only say that the bilateral relationship is in excellent shape.
Germany's twin presidencies came at a critical time for the international community. As in the past, we face great challenges but these are also times of great opportunity. Chancellor Merkel put forward an ambitious agenda for both the G8 and EU presidencies. Under her leadership, significant progress was made in establishing ways to achieve results in the international political arena. I know that President Bush was very satisfied with the discussions in Heiligendamm and at the U.S.-EU Summit in Washington in April. Chancellor Merkel and President Bush share a strong personal relationship. The tone of their conversations is open, constructive and proactive. I believe this has affected the tone of the bilateral and multilateral discussion on the major issues that face the world today.
Over the past six months, we have seen a level of bilateral cooperation that shows that, as far as Washington is concerned, the place to get things accomplished on the transatlantic and international agenda is right here in Germany. These days, transatlantic and multilateral initiatives are sure to have bilateral implications.
That means our work is cut out for us – on issues ranging from climate change to aid to Africa, from the Doha Round to the regulatory framework between the U.S, and the EU, from missile defense to counter-terrorism. We are addressing critical situations in Kosovo, the Middle East, Iran, Iraq, Sudan and Somalia, and in Afghanistan, NATO’s largest and most challenging mission.
To succeed, all these endeavors will require a deepening of the practical partnership between U.S. and Germany. We will need to bring in new players for new tasks. I know we can depend on partners like the Aspen Institute to help us strengthen the network of stakeholders in the German-American and transatlantic partnerships.
Under Chancellor Merkel, major progress was made during the German presidency on EU institutional reform. This was perhaps the most important accomplishment of the past six months. The United States supports and needs a strong Europe. Neither America nor Europe can succeed without the other. Alone, we simply cannot tackle huge transnational challenges like terrorism, economic development, disease, the environment, or the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. No other partner shares the same capabilities, the history of cooperation, and the shared commitment to freedom, democracy, transparency, and open markets.
Last month we celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Marshall Plan. It was based on one over-riding premise: A strong, prosperous and confident Europe is in America's interest because it creates a partner for freedom and stability in a dangerous world. That is still true today and it sums up what Americans celebrate on the 4th of July. We celebrate the values of liberty and equality that make our country and our partners strong.
Every 4th of July, we rededicate ourselves to the ideals that inspired the founders of the United States of America. We remember the important events in the history of our country but also the hard-fought battles of the 20th century. The freedom that we celebrate on the 4th of July is meant for all men and women, and for all times. President Bush has said that the 21st century will be "liberty century." Together we can help that happen.
So, have a happy 4th of July. To the staff and friends of the Aspen Institute, again our thanks for your good work. Mr. Mallory, all the best in your new job. We look forward to working with you.
Thank you.
