 Ladies and gentlemen, the National Anthropology and Peace have been no accident. They traced to a great degree to the solidarity and cooperation between the two peoples and the governments. When a build-up of intermediate-range missiles by our adversaries threatened the peace, our alliance was put to the test. The deployment, however, of weapons is not an end in itself. It is a means to a land. What we seek is the security of our countries, the freedom of our peoples and the peace of the world. In my recent meetings with General Secretary Gorbachev and subsequent events, there is, as I would explain, ample reason for optimism. But if a progress is made, it will be based on the solid foundation. German states are now seriously talking about reducing offensive weapons. This is a giant step forward from the time not so long ago and I say when, not if. It will not be the result of the weakness of the mediating of our Western nations. Instead, it will flow among strength, realism, our allies in the last few years, neither vulnerable nor subservient. The record of the European peoples is long and glorious in so many ways Europe is the cradle of our civilization. The indomitable spirit demonstrates on the side of the free. We in the West are now engaged in a great technological revolution in medicine, electronics, physics, and in so many fields of human endeavor. More has been discovered and that protection applies to the United States. Our allies, and yes, even our adversaries, give me the key. A purely defensive system makes these missiles ineffective and in effect also makes them eliminating the nuclear arsenals that now threaten all humanity. If a defensive system was not a viable option, the Soviet Union would not be committing so much of its own resources in developing and deploying strategic defenses of its own. Technology can open up new doors to peace and security. We in the West of the United States and we in the West of the United States strive for a free, secure, and prosperous world, a world of peace. And we do it together with our friends and allies, the German people. So it gives me great pleasure to welcome Chancellor... ...for this wonderful and so warm hearted reception in Washington. The reception is that I can return here and I think this wonderful flag is the symbol of its sunshine. All day with the sunshine is a very true symbol standing for the nature of the relationship between our two countries. A good friend of our country and a staying personal friend. And in and out... ...it is based on mutual trust. And it is a term of friendship and partnership underpinned by shared values, ideals, and enemies. Freedom in the human right. It is not the same with this alliance or with the partnership between the United States and the United States. Only the three of us are in the hearts of the United States. The very truth and the federal republic in the understanding of our country together with our truth. And they are welcome in our countries. And we know that we are in the hands of the United States. The President, you and your fellow citizens in this country should know that the vast majority of citizens of the federal republic of Germany are in favor of the presence of these truths and they regard them as their friends. We know that we can rely on each other. Your opposition would be far now less than each of you might have to command some of the title. The European Union, together with the United States, is now in a dynamic process of political and economic integration between the European Union and the United States. We also have the opinion that you can play together in the world of the Nordic. The European allies are ready for any more than 100 years of our common defense in which we can play a role in the moral of the world. In your speech to the European Parliament in Strasbourg in May 1995, the President knew well and appreciated this development. It will not be less than 12 lines, but it is going to strengthen it. It remains our goal if I know that I stand with you, Mr. President, to create peace and security with ever fewer weapons. And great debate thanks to your serious and consistent effort. You have understood an improvement of a relationship between Western East and we should take the Soviet Union at its word and sign out at the negotiation table where real progress could be made. My government is contributing actively with the efforts to promote dialogue and cooperation, confidence, understanding, and reconciliation. The world is looking, hopefully, to the two superpowers that the small and medium-sized states must work together. And I think it is important to the two superpowers that the small and medium-sized states must play their part and make their contributions as well. Mr. President, we must convince the young people, the young generation in the United States, in the Federal Republic of Germany, all over the world that it is worthwhile to stand up for our values of freedom, democracy, and the rule of law between our peoples. For that, I am grateful to you and we will discuss this subject further. Together, we shall create conditions under which even more young people from our two countries will have the chance to get together with one another. Mr. President, under your leadership the strong American self-confidence and leadership power has re-emerged. It is the characteristics of the great American nation that it is always possible to meet the challenges of the future successfully. Mr. President, under your leadership the United States of America has re-discovered self-confidence and regained the spirit of enterprise leadership. As in the past, these are the qualities that will enable the American nation to master the challenges of the future. The Federal Republic of Germany, with all its citizens, will be a loyal friend and partner to the United States of America as it goes about this time. Thank you very much.