[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1992, Book I)]
[April 29, 1992]
[Pages 661-662]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Remarks at the Arrival Ceremony for President Richard von Weizsacker of 
Germany

April 29, 1992
    President and Mrs. von Weizsacker, Minister and Mrs. Genscher, 
distinguished members of the German delegation, on behalf of the 
American people, let me warmly welcome you to the United States and to 
Washington on this beautiful spring day. Barbara and I hope you have a 
productive and an enjoyable visit, and we're especially happy that 
you'll spend a few days in our hometown of Houston, Texas.
    Mr. President, your presence doubly honors us. Not only is this your 
first state visit here, but I'm told that it is your first state visit 
to any country since the triumphant reunification one and a half years 
ago. Your presence here is testimony to the

[[Page 662]]

enduring ties that exist between our lands and our people. The German-
American relationship has grown even stronger through cold-war and post-
cold-war cooperation, drawing our two peoples even more closely 
together.
    You come at a pivotal time for our two countries and, indeed, the 
entire world. Forty-five years ago at an equally pivotal time, some in 
the United States said that we should turn inward, turn our backs on our 
defeated adversaries. And we did not. Instead we committed ourselves to 
democracy's success, helping Europe, helping Germany and its fledgling 
democracy. What a wise decision that was, committing ourselves to a 
continuing global role and making an investment in German democracy. And 
today we see the fruits of that decision, united Germany, a model of 
democracy for the whole world and certainly a reliable friend and 
partner for the United States of America.
    Today, Germany and the U.S. face a similar decision as the peoples 
of Russia and the other new States seek to follow the countries of 
Central and Eastern Europe in building democracy and free markets. 
Germany and America in partnership are committed to supporting those who 
are struggling with the legacy of a defeated Communist system, and 
making an investment in their democratic future. Those who would ask why 
this is the right course need only look at a united Germany, once our 
adversary, now our close friend, now our partner in leadership.
    Mr. President, 3 years ago I accompanied Chancellor Kohl on a visit 
to your beautiful Rhineland city of Mainz. And there I spoke of how 
together we could build a Europe whole and free, at peace with itself. 
Because lasting security comes not from tanks, troops, or barbed wire; 
it is built on shared values and agreements that link free people. I 
believed that in Mainz, and I believe it just as firmly today.
    United Germany is a key partner for the United States in promoting 
democracy and economic reform in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet 
Union. You are our partner in building a more united and cooperative 
Europe. And in that spirit, we strongly welcome German involvement in 
global affairs. Strong German-American cooperation is fully compatible 
with development of a more unified Europe, a goal that the United States 
has consistently supported over the years, just as unequivocally as we 
supported a united Germany.
    As our world looks ahead to the coming century, I want to state this 
point as clearly as I can: The United States is firmly committed to 
remaining a world leader. We will play an active role in securing peace, 
security, and prosperity in Europe and in our transatlantic community. 
We must work together to overcome differences, to drive down barriers to 
free and fair trade, to achieve in the GATT negotiations agreements that 
will secure for all nations a new prosperity.
    Mr. President, you, sir, have played a vital role in this. You've 
made it your task to help reconcile former adversaries, to overcome the 
antagonisms of the past, and to heal the wounds of division and strife. 
In a time of upheaval and rapid change, you've provided your countrymen 
with firm, moral leadership. And you've helped them come to terms with 
the twin catastrophes of dictatorship and division that befell Germany 
this century. And now, the German nation is at peace with itself, 
steadfastly committed to democracy and human rights.
    Mr. President, Germany and the United States are guided by the words 
of your great national anthem: ``May our path by peace be lighted.'' And 
as we walk down that path of peace together, may God bless our two great 
nations and the lasting friendship that unites the people of Germany and 
the United States of America.
    Thank you.

                    Note: The President spoke at 10:12 a.m. on the South 
                        Lawn at the White House. In his remarks, he 
                        referred to German Vice Chancellor and Foreign 
                        Minister Hans-Dietrich Genscher.