For us, the Day of German Unity is one which fills us with deep gratitude.

We all remember and are very much moved by the historic episodes that unfolded such as the shredding of the Iron Curtain on the border between Austria and Hungary, the fervor of thousands waiting in the garden of our Embassy in Prague to be allowed to leave and finally the fall of the Wall on Nov. 9 1989, something which had been beyond almost everyone’s wildest dreams.

Today we can look back with joy and pride at what we have achieved together over the last two decades.

With the help of the Two plus Four Treaty, Germany has found its place in the international community of the 21st century both in and with Europe.

Not just in Germany, but also in Europe we have united for the better.

Above all else, Europe is a community of shared culture and values.

The European Union as a peace union promises all its members peace, freedom, human rights and democracy.

Our shared values are the foundation on which this Europe stands.

Thanks to our European way of life rooted in freedom, diversity and prosperity, we together have the strength to convince others in this our world of change. Germany’s future lies in a united and capable Europe which shoulders its responsibilities.

On September 18, we celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Federal Republic of Germany and the German Democratic Republic joining the UN.

In the globalized world, the UN is more essential than ever.

It is as strong as its member states make it. Germany is doing everything it can to strengthen the UN's claim to universality and help establish globally binding rules.

Even the preamble of the Basic Law of the Federal Republic of Germany charges us “to promote world peace in a united Europe”.

Working together on this task is the mission inextricably linked to the gift of unity.

• Dr. Guido Westerwelle, Member of the German Bundestag and Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs.