Today (22 January) Federal Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier spoke on the telephone with his new American counterpart Hillary Clinton and congratulated her on taking office. Both agreed to meet in person soon.

The focus of the discussion was the situation in the Middle East. Federal Minister Steinmeier thanked his American counterpart for her Government's resolve to take early action regarding the Middle East conflict. They agreed that Europe and the United States would closely coordinate the way forward.

Steinmeier commended the new US Administration's announcement that it would actively approach its partners. He now saw an opportunity for a renewal of the transatlantic partnership in order to master common challenges which, alongside the international conflicts in the Middle East or Afghanistan, also included the issue of climate change in particular and a new commitment to conventional and strategic disarmament. Both agreed it was necessary to define a comprehensive concept of security that extends beyond military issues.

Steinmeier wished the new American Administration good luck for the tasks that lie ahead and emphasized, “The US Administration can count on Germany to be a reliable and trustworthy partner.”