I never underestimated myself. And I never saw anything wrong with ambition.

The willingness to learn new skills is very high.

Alliances are part of our destiny as a nation, part of our future as a nation and this is what guides me in my policy, what guides my government as a whole.

If I may, to underline first of all that I am very much impressed that in spite of the very tough election campaign, this transition period in the United States of America follows democratic principles and is all about the American people. It's about the destiny of the American people.

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

It is actually a very good thing, if after eight years of coverage the president of the United States [Barack Obama] says that this is a cooperation based on friendship that we cooperated well.

I approach this with - with an open mind and I'll do it on the basis of a deep conviction with President-elect Donald Trump.