Ladies and gentlemen,

I would like to congratulate the winner of the presidential election in the United States, Donald Trump, on his electoral victory.

The United States of America is an old and venerable democracy. This year’s election campaign was a particular one, with confrontations which at times were hard to bear. Like most of you, therefore, I awaited the outcome with much suspense.

When the American people elects its president in free and fair elections, it is of significance far beyond the US. As for us Germans: Germany’s ties with the United States of America are deeper than with any country outside of the European Union.

Whoever governs this great country with its tremendous economic might, military power and cultural impact, carries a responsibility that can be felt almost everywhere around the world. Americans have decided that Donald Trump should shoulder this responsibility for the next four years.

Germany and America are bound by values – democracy, freedom, as well as respect for the rule of law and the dignity of the individual, regardless of their origin, skin colour, creed, gender, sexual orientation, or political views. On the basis of these values, I offer close cooperation to the future president of the United States of America, Donald Trump.

Partnership with the United States is and will remain a keystone of German foreign policy, so that we can tackle the great challenges of our time: striving for economic and social well-being, working to develop far-sighted climate policy, pursuing the fight against terrorism, poverty, hunger, and disease, as well as protecting peace and freedom – in Germany, in Europe and around the world.

Thank you very much.