Transcript of the press conference in German only

During US President Joe Biden’s visit to Berlin, Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz drew attention to the challenging times since Russia invaded Ukraine in which war had returned to Europe. He also stressed the flagrant violation of international law. “It is thanks to your leadership that Putin’s plan has failed. Thanks to the bravery of their armed forces and the support of many states – and the US and Germany in particular – Ukraine has been able to defy imperialist Russia for over two-and-a-half years,” the Federal Chancellor said.

Following the bilateral talks, Biden’s visit to Berlin is also an opportunity for a meeting with France’s President Emmanuel Macron and the UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to discuss major international questions.

The key points from the statement:

• Support for Ukraine: The Federal Chancellor said that both parties would continue their support for protecting Ukraine’s integrity and sovereignty and remain at the side of the country for as long as was necessary in the face of Russian aggression. He also stressed that, “we are supporting Ukraine with all the strength we have,” as well as emphasising that care would be taken to ensure NATO does not become a party in the conflict. For this reason the G7 partners have agreed to support Ukraine with a loan package worth 50 billion dollars by the end of the year.
• Joint commitment to the transatlantic alliance: Scholz pledged that Germany and the US would continue their commitment to a strong NATO “which defends every square centimetre of alliance territory.” Close coordination across the Atlantic had, he said, strengthened the alliance and this would be continued. This included standing up for the fundamental principles of a free world as set down in the Charter of the United Nations.
• Promoting peace in the Middle East: Turning to the situation in the Middle East since Hamas’ barbaric attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, the Federal Chancellor again underlined Israel’s right to self-defence. However, he also stressed that the priority was now to prevent wider escalation and the conflict flaring up across the region. He expressed his hope that the death of the Hamas leader Sinwar would create the concrete prospect of a ceasefire in Gaza and an agreement to release hostages held by Hamas.

In the morning, US President Biden was received by Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and awarded Germany’s highest decoration, the Grand Cross special class of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany. Steinmeier praised Biden’s services to German-American friendship and the transatlantic alliance.