During a visit with his Czech counterpart, Petr Pavel, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier underscored the enduring importance of German-Czech cooperation. Speaking at a reception in Bellevue Palace on Wednesday, honouring the winning teams of a German-Czech video competition titled “Never Again” Steinmeier reflected on the progress made since the German-Czech Declaration of 1997, acknowledging the numerous steps taken toward reconciliation and historical understanding.
He emphasized the close and amicable ties currently binding the two nations, citing strong economic, cultural and cross-border collaborations, alongside significant partnerships within the broader European context. Steinmeier highlighted Europe’s role in fostering peace, freedom and solidarity among member states.
The German President also drew a connection between the often-challenging history of European unification and the aspiration for a continent free from war and inhumanity. He expressed a commitment to upholding the promise reflected in that aspiration, advocating for a Europe founded on the principles of justice, democracy and mutual understanding among its people. He affirmed the importance of actively working towards and supporting such a European vision.
