Federal Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle has welcomed US President Obama’s keynote address on the upheaval in the Arab world. Commenting on the speech, Federal Minister Westerwelle issued the following statement this evening (19 May):

“President Obama’s speech sends out a powerful message of support for democratic change in North Africa and the entire Arab world. It gives a welcome boost to all those working for more freedom, democracy and opportunities for personal prosperity in the region.

We share the view of our American friends that the improvements in political and economic participation in the Arab world present us with a historic opportunity, and it is in our own European and American interests to use it. The changes in North Africa and the Arab world give us the chance to start a new chapter in social and economic cooperation.

Germany has offered a Transformation Partnership that is now embedded at EU level. With our practical projects we want to play our part in ensuring that people living there experience the real benefits that democracy brings, for only thus can democratic change succeed.

I also welcome the fact that President Obama has declared his support for a comprehensive and equitable two-state solution in the Middle East in such a strong and committed way. All efforts towards progress in this direction will have our backing.”