Von der Leyen lauds transatlantic ties
February 17, 2017
Germany's defense minister, Ursula von der Leyen, opened the 53rd Munich Security Conference (MSC) on Friday, saying the world needs a globally committed and responsible United States.
Von der Leyen told the assembled international government representatives and security experts that Germany realized it had to shoulder a greater burden of the cost of NATO.
"The crises and conflicts have opened our eyes: whoever wants security needs their own powers and capabilities. Whoever wants security needs reliable alliances," von der Leyen said.
"NATO is not self-evident, not for America and not for us Europeans. We must all be confident that our common interests and our principles and values are held up.
"And this also means that we are waging the fight against transnational terror together, especially Islamic State."
Beware of Muslim persecution
Von der Leyen cautioned against rising discrimination against Muslims.
"We should be wary of shifting this struggle into a front against Islam and Muslims. Otherwise, we are in danger of deepening the trenches from which violence and terror are growing. Rather, it remains proper to seek partnerships with like-minded Muslim and Arab states."
Mattis - one of the 'reliable personalities'
In statements made to DW, von der Leyen called US Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis "reassuring" and one of the "reliable personalities" in the Trump administration.
Her remarks came after Mattis had taken the MSC stage and provided strong assurances on the US commitment to the transatlantic relationship.
"The transatlantic bond remains our strongest bulwark against instability and violence," Mattis told the assembled group of leaders. "I am confident that we will strengthen our partnerships, confronting those who choose to attack innocent people or our democratic processes and freedoms."
Mattis' statements diverged from some of those made by US President Donald Trump, who at various points during his campaign expressed skepticism towards the importance of traditional diplomatic ties between Europe and the US.
"American security is permanently tied to the security of Europe," Mattis later added.
A harder line on Russia than his boss
The defense secretary also alluded to Russia's potential to destabilize NATO's eastern border.
"We all see our community of nations under threat on multiple fronts as the arc of instability builds on NATO’s periphery and beyond," Mattis said.
His remarks echoed those made Wednesday in Brussels at a NATO summit, where he took a firm line on Russia, calling on the country to observe international law and distancing the US from potential military cooperation with Moscow in the near future. As with his comments on transatlantic ties, Mattis' expressions of distrust towards Russia contrast Trump's stance on closer relations between Moscow and Washington.
However, Mattis reiterated NATO members must contribute a "proportionate share" to the military alliance's funding.
"It is a fair demand that all who benefit from the best alliance in the world carry their proportionate share of the necessary costs to defend our freedoms," the Secretary said.
Praise for the German military
Mattis also used his MSC speech to praise German military forces. He cited his "great respect for Germany’s leadership in Europe - and for the ethical performance of your troops on the battlefield" one day after Lithuanian authorities revealed reports of rape by a German NATO soldier were, in fact, fake news. NATO has alleged Russian involvement.
More than 500 participants were expected to attend the MSC, including US Vice President Mike Pence, who will address the group on Saturday. White House advisors said Pence's trip to Germany and Belgium was aimed at reassuring European and Middle Eastern partners about the US commitment to NATO and the European Union.
The guest list includes 16 heads of state, 15 government leaders, 47 foreign ministers, 30 defense ministers, 59 representatives from international organizations and 65 business leaders.
The issues discussed at this year's conference will be informed by The Munich Security Conference annual report published this month, which warns against the rise of populism threatening the international order.
"Never before have there been so many foreign policy question marks," the head of the Munich Security Conference Wolfgang Ischinger said ahead of the opening.
cmb, aw/rg (Reuters, AP, AFP)