Cooperation between Germany and the United States is more important than ever. Particularly in turbulent geopolitical times, we need to act in concert. Together with the next US administration, we want to continue working for peace, stability, prosperity and freedom in the world.

The German-American friendship does of course go much further than the government telephone lines between Berlin and Washington. Whether scientists, school exchange students or entrepreneurs: it is the people who are the building blocks of our bridge across the Atlantic.

Having dealt with North America as Minister of State in recent years and built up a wide range of relations with the United States and Canada, I look forward to deepening these further and using the remaining months of this legislative term to continue the dialogue at all levels with civil society and with the new administration.