Thank [Barack Obama] for the friendship you've always demonstrated.

Ordinary people regard a man of a certain force and flexibility of character as they do a lion; they look at him with a sort of wonder, perhaps they admire him; but they will on no account house with him.

On the issue past of independence of Germany, after the time of National Socialism, Germany has been given an enormous amount of help particularly and also from the United States of America. A fact that we were able to enjoy German unification is due first and foremost to the help of the United States of America.

We must never forget our responsibilities as politicians to our country and its citizens. We must always remain humble before our people.

Where there’s a will, there’s a way.

No bank should be allowed to become so big that it can blackmail governments.

Our bilateral relations are very good, they’re very close. In the areas of business, of the economy, the United States of America last year were our most important trading partner.