During a recent trip to Europe, President Joe Biden met with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron, and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in Berlin. At a joint press conference, Biden and Scholz issued a statement emphasizing the importance of Germany’s response when the war in Ukraine began. Scholz showcased his determination to align German diplomacy with current realities and firmly support Ukraine.
Before their meeting, President Biden was greeted with military honors by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who personally awarded him the Federal Cross of Merit, Germany’s highest honor for achievements in politics, economics, and social contributions. Notably, former President George H.W. Bush is the only other U.S. president to have received this honor. Steinmeier highlighted the significance of Biden’s election, stating, “When you were elected president, it was as if you rebuilt hope for Europe in the Atlantic alliance overnight.”
Subsequently, Biden met with Chancellor Scholz at the Chancellery, where Biden remarked that when Russian President Vladimir Putin launched his brutal invasion of Ukraine, Germany reminded the world of the essential nature of alliances.
President Biden reinforced the deep partnership between Germany and the United States, describing Germany as America’s closest and most important ally. He expressed gratitude for Germany’s clear stance against anti-Semitism and its resistance to Iran, stating to Scholz, “I have to thank you for your friendship.”
Chancellor Scholz emphasized that Biden’s visit to Berlin was aimed at jointly assuming responsibility for peace, particularly in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. “Our actions are clear; we will support Ukraine as much as possible,” he said, stressing the importance of ensuring that NATO does not become a target and that the war doesn’t escalate into a greater disaster.
Scholz articulated the shared belief between Germany and the U.S. that Ukraine deserves sovereignty and integrity, stating that Russia cannot carry out a violent conquest of the territory. “As long as necessary, we will stand with Ukraine,” he affirmed.
During the press conference, the two leaders also addressed the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Biden remarked that the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar marked the arrival of justice, as Sinwar’s hands were stained with the blood of Americans, Israelis, Palestinians, Germans, and many others. Scholz voiced hope that Sinwar’s death might lead to a ceasefire in the region.
