Just a few days ago the streets of Riyadh were decorated in deep green as the Kingdom celebrated its 83rd anniversary.

Today it is us, the German people, who are in a festive mood. Compared to Saudi Arabia, we are a relatively “young” nation.

Only 23 years ago, we achieved our national unity after decades of separation. History has treated us benevolently — some argue.

Yes it is true — but history is always made by man. On this auspicious day we are, therefore, extremely grateful to all those, from near and far, who supported us so generously in our long struggle for unity. The Kingdom and its people have always been at our side. This we will never forget — Shukran djazilan!!!

In today’s fast-paced world the reliable and trusted partnership between our two countries is an asset of extraordinary value. Our cooperation is multifaceted and broad-based.

We share common views of how to make our country, our neighborhood and the world as such a better place.

We join hands, bilaterally and multilaterally, to promote peace and stability.

We engage intensively in fighting today’s most dreadful challenge: the scourge of international terrorism.

The historically strong trade links have become even stronger during the last 12 months addressing issues such as enhanced focus on joint ventures, know-how transfer and skill development. The booming Saudi economy offers German companies a plethora of opportunities for diversified investments.

I would like to take this opportunity to express our most sincere gratitude to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah and the entire Saudi Government for the trust and confidence accorded to Germany and its people.

We are proud of our common achievements. We are very honored and pleased to see so many Saudi citizens travel and explore Germany, be it as businessmen, as academics our as tourists.

This augurs well for the future.

German re-unification taught us that the seemingly impossible can happen if one has the courage and willingness to take the right decisions.

The Kingdom demonstrates to the world what can be achieved by vision and determination.

Let us increase our mutual efforts to broaden the already existing bridges between our two countries in a spirit of true partnership and shared responsibility.

— German Ambassador Dieter W. Haller