WHEN Germany was reunited on Oct. 3, 1990 the then Federal President Richard von Weizsäcker said: “Now we have to master the task of existing in freedom. It will be difficult.” Twenty-seven years later we can state with a mixture of utmost gratitude, great joy and modest pride: Germany has found its role within the united Europe and the world.

It is true: Europe is far from being perfect but it is, and will be so in the future, an anchor of stability in an increasingly volatile world. The united Germany has lived up to its responsibilities as a force of moderation, a promoter of peaceful solution making and as a fervent adherent of a multipolar world order based on the rule of law. We have developed into a cosmopolitan country with a diverse social fabric. Maintaining social cohesion is a continuous task as in other European Nations or here in the Middle East, too.

We are happy that so many Saudis share our joy. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the united Germany have come a long way, being able to successfully consolidate and expand our multi-facetted partnership over the years. Especially with our culture of ingenuity and innovation, both the German government and the private sector are fully committed to supporting the National Transformation Plan and Vision 2030.

By doing so we are trying very hard to complement the presently trade-focused economic partnership with an investment and Joint Venture based one. The impressive modernization program the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is implementing at the moment opens up a lot of promising new opportunities. Not only in the field of economy, but also in science, culture and sports. During her visit to Jeddah some months ago Chancellor Angela Merkel made it clear that we are willing to grasp these opportunities.

On the political side we have added strategic content to our relations. We are exploring at the moment the possibilities to work together in some African countries to promote economic growth there. The full restoration of peace and stability in the Middle East is a shared objective. In spite of all bilateral and regional efforts we are fully aware that the changes in our world and the challenges we face compel us to strengthen the role of the United Nations.

I would like to thank Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and his government for the trust and confidence placed in us and I would like to encourage all our Saudi friends from all walks of life to continue engaging with us. Together we can achieve more.

Dieter Walter Haller

Ambassador of Germany