Antony J. Blinken 71st U.S. Secretary of State | Official Website
Secretary Antony J. Blinken and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock met on July 10, 2024, to discuss the ongoing challenges faced by their respective nations and reaffirm their strong partnership.
"Well, good afternoon, everyone. It’s, as always, a great pleasure to be with my colleague and my friend, Annalena Baerbock," said Secretary Blinken. "We – together the United States and Germany have been confronting the extraordinary challenges to our Alliance, to our people. But the fact that we’re doing it together, the fact that we are such strong partners has been an extraordinary source of strength these past few years."
Blinken highlighted various global issues where U.S.-German cooperation has been crucial. "Whether it’s Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, whether it’s challenges in the Middle East, whether it’s the many issues that we’re facing together in the Indo-Pacific, we’re so grateful for the partnership between our countries," he stated.
The meeting coincided with NATO's 75th anniversary summit. "This is a good opportunity here at the summit...to look to the challenges of this moment but also to look forward for the next years," Blinken noted. He expressed confidence in the enduring alliance between the United States and Germany.
Foreign Minister Baerbock echoed Blinken's sentiments. "Thank you very much, and congratulations for this very successful summit," she began. "The last two and a half years with regard to the Russian invasion...the cooperation between our two countries was not only cooperation; it was cooperation of friends, of trust."
Baerbock emphasized American leadership during critical times for Europe. "You were there for us...this is the cornerstone not only for life insurance but also for united Germany within Europe," she remarked.
Both leaders expressed gratitude for past collaborations and optimism about future joint efforts.
"Thank you for the past and we are looking forward to a common future," concluded Baerbock.
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