![]() ![]() But the end of that era only marked the beginning of another. The fall of the Soviet Union ushered in an opportunity for unprecedented peace and prosperity on both sides of the Atlantic. ![]() In that moment, I came face to face with the choice facing the Western World - the choice between freedom and tyranny.īy the grace of God, and through the leadership of Reagan, Thatcher, Kohl, Mitterrand, Havel, Walesa, the wall fell, communism collapsed, and freedom prevailed. The vibrant color of the free world fell away, replaced by the dour greys of still-bombed-out buildings and the shadow of repression hanging over the people. Then we crossed through Checkpoint Charlie. I marveled at the streets, the people, and the bustling commerce of a city renewed just 30 years after the ravages of war. In 1977, at the age of 18, I traveled through Europe with my older brother, and we found ourselves in West Berlin. I saw that choice firsthand as a young man. We stood together in 1990 as this very nation reunited and Eastern Europe chose freedom, free markets, and democracy. We confronted the menace of Communism, which threatened to overwhelm Europe and the world in its heartless, inhuman embrace. Together, we formed the North Atlantic Treaty Organization in 1949 to defend our shared heritage and shared principles, such as sovereignty, territorial integrity, and self-determination. We honor that history by doing our part - all of us - to ensure the horrors of war never return to this continent.įor generations, we have worked side by side with you to strengthen and defend your democracies. Our shared values and our shared sacrifices are the source of the United States’ enduring bond to the nations and peoples of Europe. And it has been an investment of treasure, yes, but so much more than that, America has sent you our best and bravest. So lest anyone doubt the United States’ commitment to Europe and the importance of your defense, they need only look to our nation’s investment in your peace and prosperity, in your safety and security, yesterday and today. ![]() Tens of thousands more still stand guard here in Europe to this day. Tens of thousands of my fellow countrymen now rest here for eternity. More than two decades later, in the fires of World War Two, we fought to defeat dictatorship and keep the flame of freedom alive in Europe and across the entire world. It’s remarkable to think that this year marks the 100th anniversary of the United States’ entry into World War One. So strong is our bond that over the past century, Americans have poured forth from our land to help defend yours. This is President Trump’s promise: We will stand with Europe, today and every day, because we are bound together by the same noble ideals - freedom, democracy, justice, and the rule of law. Your success is our success, and ultimately, we walk into the future together. Now, the fates of the United States and Europe are intertwined. We’ve been faithful for generations - and as you keep faith with us, under President Trump we will always keep faith with you. The United States of America strongly supports NATO and will be unwavering in our commitment to this transatlantic alliance. Today, on behalf of President Trump, I bring you this assurance. Now, the President asked me to be here today to bring his greetings - and a message. History will attest that when the United States and Europe are peaceful and prosperous, we advance the peace and prosperity of the entire world. Please join me in welcoming my fellow Americans here with us today.įounded in 1963, the Munich Security Conference has long played an important role in international affairs, bringing together political, economic, and social leaders from both sides of the Atlantic to promote peace and prosperity for our nations and our peoples. We’re also joined by a distinguished delegation of United States senators and congressmen, led by Senator John McCain. I’m also pleased to have with me two members of the President’s Cabinet, one of which you’ve already heard from, our Secretary James Mattis, of the Department of Defense, and Secretary John Kelly, of Homeland Security. In my still new capacity as Vice President, I am honored and humbled to have the privilege to address this important annual forum. Chancellor Merkel, Secretary General, distinguished colleagues, and honored guests, I bring greetings on behalf of the 45th President of the United States, Donald Trump. Worldwide Caution: Al-Qa’ida Leader’s Death.Submit your Application for the Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellowship in the United States during the Summer of 2023.Consulate General Amsterdam, Netherlands (March 8, 2023) Submit your application for the 2023 Women2Women International Leadership Program.Dutch Royal House – King Willem-Alexander opens ChemTech Center of Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. ![]()
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