Federal Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier welcomed US President Obama's keynote speech in Cairo as an important political step towards the Muslim world and for the Middle East peace process.

Commenting on the speech, Federal Minister Steinmeier issued the following statement today (4 June) in Berlin:

“President Obama's Cairo speech again highlights the new US Administration's intensive commitment to relations with the Muslim world and to the Middle East peace process.

Demonstrating strong personal credibility, President Obama issued a clear call for dialogue with the Muslim world based on shared values and interests. In doing so, he sent a message of mutual partnership and trust.

This was an important speech for the progress so urgently needed in the Middle East peace process. What's important now is achieving the resumption of direct peace talks in the Middle East. Germany is working towards this goal with the United States and its European partners.

We agree with the United States that there is no alternative to a two-state solution. Decisive and credible steps must now be taken in this direction. This includes halting settlement activity completely. Additionally, the region must be included in the conflict resolution process. We have made proposals in this regard to the US and to our European partners.”