    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1995, Book I)]
    [February 9, 1995]
    [Page 180]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Welcoming Chancellor Helmut Kohl of Germany
    February 9, 1995

        Chancellor Kohl, members of the German delegation, distinguished
    guests, on behalf of the American people, it is a distinct honor to
    welcome back to Washington the leader of one of our closest allies and
    one of the preeminent statesmen of our time, Chancellor Helmut Kohl.
        Today marks another stride in our extraordinary journey together,
    one that has lasted nearly half a century. It began with reconstruction
    after one devastating war and a common effort to deter another. Today,
    Germany and the United States enjoy the fruits of our perseverance and
    our friendship. Because our nations have stood shoulder-to-shoulder for
    so long, last summer Chancellor Kohl and I could walk through the
    Brandenburg Gate together without checkpoints, without armed sentries.
        Now our two nations must continue our journey together with the same
    resolve we have shown in the past. Today we renew and reaffirm our vital
    partnership. Together we will work to support continued reform in Russia
    and the Newly Independent States, a cause in which Chancellor Kohl has
    shown such extraordinary leadership. We will consider how to move toward
    NATO's expansion to Europe's new democracies and how to adapt the
    international institutions to serve us for the next 50 years. Working
    together to solve the new problems we face and to create a truly
    integrated Europe, this is exactly how two great democracies should mark
    their successes and look toward the future.
        Chancellor Kohl, in the spirit of friendship and gratitude and with
    great hope for the future, it is a personal honor on behalf of all the
    people of the United States to welcome you back to the White House.

    Note: The President spoke at 10:11 a.m. on the South Lawn at the White
    House.