[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.