Today is a good day for democracy. In the United States of America, it has faced tremendous challenges – and prevailed. Despite the attempts to tear at America’s institutional fabric, election workers and governors, the judiciary and Congress, have proven strong.

I am greatly relieved that, today, Joe Biden is being sworn in as president and will be moving into the White House. I know many people in Germany share this feeling.

The inauguration of the new government in Washington gives rise to the hope that, in future, the international community will return to closer and better cooperation – with the aim of solving the great problems of our day and age. We look forward to having the U.S. as a vital partner at our side again on many fronts: as we fight the COVID-19 pandemic together in a spirit of solidarity, tackle climate change at the global level, and address security issues, including arms control and disarmament, as well as many conflicts that require urgent attention.

When our views do differ, such differences of opinion will not divide us, but should rather spur us on to find joint solutions.

Despite all the joy we feel today, we must not forget that even the most powerful democracy in the world has been seduced by populism. We must work resolutely to counter polarization, protect and strengthen the public square in our democracies, and shape our policies on the basis of reason and facts.

I convey my best wishes to Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, and their team as they tackle the great and difficult tasks that lie ahead. I hope that we can welcome them to Germany soon.