At the Reception Technikmuseum Berlin, Germany 13 Sep . 2005

Remarks by NATO Secretary General, Jaap de Hoop Scheffer Herr Minister Struck, Lieber Peter, Herr Regierender Bürgermeister Wowereit, Meine Damen und Herren, Herzlichen Dank für Ihre freundlichen Worte. Zunächst möchte ich der Bundesrepublik Deutschland und der Stadt Berlin im Namen der gesamten NATO dafür danken, dass sie sich bereit erklärt haben, unser Verteidigungsministertreffen auszurichten. Ich weiß, dass das viel Kraft und Mühe gekostet hat, und unser Dank und unsere Anerkennung gehen an Sie und Ihre Mitarbeiter, die dieses Treffen bereits jetzt zu einem Erfolg gemacht haben. Die Gastfreundschaft der Bundesregierung und der Stadt Berlin haben schon jetzt unser höchstes Lob verdient. Let me also use this opportunity to make a few remarks about Germany and NATO. For half a century this year, Germany’s membership in NATO has been most valuable – for Germany and for the Alliance. It is a strong and vibrant relationship that I hope, and expect, will continue to flourish well into the future. Over the years, the NATO framework has allowed this country to overcome its self-imposed restraint, and to take on important responsibilities in crisis areas ranging from Bosnia and Kosovo to Afghanistan. Today, 50 years after the creation of the Bundeswehr and after 50 years of German NATO membership, Germany is one of the largest troop contributors to NATO-led operations. At the same time, Germany has also played a leading role in NATO’s political evolution. This country has been a major driver behind the Alliance’s partnership policy. It has been a powerful advocate of NATO enlargement, but also of our special relationship with Russia. And as a country with strong European and Atlanticist credentials, Germany has been a major proponent of enhanced relations between NATO, the European Union and other international organisations. Today, the need for German involvement in NATO is as strong as it has ever been. The Alliance’s operational commitments are broadening. Our task of managing security for so many people has become far more complex and requires new means and closer cooperation. But there are tremendous opportunities for shaping this environment in line with our common values and interests. Working with its Allies in NATO, I am sure that Germany will continue to help to ensure that we use these opportunities to the full. Once again many thanks to our German hosts, and I wish everybody a pleasant evening.