Congratulations to Donald Trump's Presidency - Nov. 9, 2016

(In German)

Ladies and gentleman. I congratulate the Winner of the presidential election of the United States, Donald Trump, to his victory in the election.

The United States are an old and honorable Democracy. The election campaign this year was a special one, with partially hard to bear confrontation. So I, like most of you, was looking forward to the result of the election with a strong interest.

Who the American People in free and fair elections vote for as his President, has an impact far beyond the borders of the U.S. We Germans have no deeper bond to any other country outside of the EU than the U.S.

The, who reigns this great country with its enormous economic power, military potential, his cultural influence, carries responsibility that can be felt almost everywhere in the world. The Americans have decided that for the next four years Donald Trump shall carry that responsibility.

Germany and America are connected through values: democracy, freedom, respect for the rights and dignity of men, independent of their origin, color of skin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or political attitude. On the base of these values I offer a close cooperation to the upcoming President of the United States, Donald Trump.

The partnership with the USA remains a pillar for the German foreign politics to master the big challenges of our time: the strive to economical and social welfare, the effort for a far sighted climate politic, the fight against terrorism, poverty, hunger, and disease. The commitment to peace and freedom in Germany, Europe, and in the world.

Thank you.