He is a “beacon of democracy”, “a moral role model serving the common good, honesty and dignity”: in Berlin on Friday, German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier gave Biden not roses in Bellevue Palace and later political comrades and allies in Berlin’s Chancellery.
When it comes to current conflicts in the world, Germany has taken its cue from the United States more recently than any other country. Germany has closely coordinated all military supplies to Ukraine with Washington.
After taking office, Biden also halted his predecessor Donald Trump’s order to withdraw part of the US military from Germany. A year later, after Russia’s attack on Ukraine, U.S. forces stationed in Europe to protect NATO’s eastern flank were increased.
“Ukraine’s Biggest Supporters”
In the chancellery, Scholz reiterated his support for Kiev, but also warned that NATO should not become a belligerent party. “We are committed together to the sovereignty and integrity of Ukraine so that Russia cannot subjugate it by force,” Schaals said.
Biden emphasized: “The United States and Germany are the two biggest supporters of Ukraine.” So partners should urgently maintain their efforts and assistance. He knows the price for Ukraine policy is high. But Biden said the price would be high if Russia got its way.
We hope to find a solution in Israel
Both spoke in similar unison on the subject of the Middle East. Biden said everything must be done to avoid further escalation and regional conflict.
Significance of Biden’s State Trip
Shortly before the end of his term, US President Joe Biden met with Federal Chancellor Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Germany. ORF reporter Andreas Pfeifer explains the background to the visit.
With the death of Hamas leader Jahja Shinwar, Scholz said, “the concrete possibility of a cease-fire in Gaza, a deal to release Hamas hostages, will now open up.” “Joe, we have always supported your efforts in this conflict and will continue to do so.” It remains a credible political process toward a two-state solution in which Israelis and Palestinians can live side by side in peace.
Biden originally wanted to use his trip to Germany for a summit of the Ukraine Contact Group. But because of Hurricane Milton, the US president canceled a multi-day trip to Berlin and Ramstein last week and has now cut it short: after less than 24 hours in Berlin, he leaves on Friday.
Respect to Biden
Steinmeier previously had fraternal tones at Bellevue Palace. German-American friendship has reached a new level under Biden, Steinmeier said. “Under your leadership, the transatlantic alliance is stronger and our partnership closer than ever.”
Biden mended the relationship after Trump became president, Steinmeier insisted, without mentioning Trump by name. Steinmeier praised Biden’s commitment to Russia-occupied Ukraine and Israel. Europe is currently at “the most dangerous moment in European history since the end of the Cold War”. That’s why it’s a fortune.
Steinmeier also presented the US President with the special status of the Grand Cross of the Federal Order of Merit, Germany’s highest award. “This award means a lot to me,” Biden said. Germany and America have a long history with many twists and turns – from war opponents to close partners. Biden said one should never underestimate the strength of democracy and the value of coalitions. He strongly thanked Germany for supporting Ukraine: “The German leadership had the wisdom to recognize a turning point in history.”
Aid to Ukraine depends on vote
The visit was characterized by mutual goodwill, but also melancholy. It’s unclear how the November 5 U.S. election will play out. If Trump wins the White House again, Ukraine may have to fear continued support from the world’s largest military power.
While Biden has called the Russian president a “murderer” and a “war criminal,” Trump, in his own words, is “very” friendly with Vladimir Putin. Trump recently blamed Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky for the war. “Zelensky should never have allowed this war to start,” Trump said on a podcast Thursday.
There will be a “quad format” meeting on Friday with Scholes, Macron and Starmer. It is about war in the Middle East and supporting Ukraine in defending itself against a Russian war of aggression.
