I almost want to say jokingly: what a lucky coincidence that we, along with Tammy and Elke, are in New York at the same time and can meet here today! After all, it could well have been that you were in Berlin right now.

If I were now to mention the famous suitcase that some people have in Berlin, it would be an understatement in your case. Because you and your family have basically remained a bit like myself: citizens of Berlin, a city which fascinates so many Germans and Americans because the longing for freedom there was – at different points in history – felt more intensely than in many other places around the world. You would have more reason than some to say: Ich bin ein Berliner.

That you have grown fond not only of Berlin but of our entire country is obvious to this very day to anyone who talks to you. Your knowledge, your empathy, your dense network of friends and political colleagues from Germany and America – that is what evolves when someone engages with their partners in dialogue as you do: with openness, great interest and the sincere desire to understand their counterpart.

We will first listen and understand – and then speak and act! That is what you said in your first speech in Germany after being appointed Ambassador by President Obama back in 2009. And you were serious about wanting to understand: on top of all your ambassadorial responsibilities, the receptions and bilateral talks, for instance, you listened to what is important to young Germans in more than 100 town hall meetings. At least once a week, you traveled through our 16 federal states – and you were fascinated by how different they were. And more than once, you were also to be found in a soccer stadium, exploring this – not unimportant – part of the German soul, and cheering on Berlin soccer team Hertha. You have become much more than a famous authority on Germany. To me, you have always been an expert by heart!

Staying in contact while maintaining a spirit of goodwill, even when relations are a bit more tense, is an integral part of any genuine and resilient friendship – as is explaining ourselves to each other rather than withdrawing into our shells. We both know from our political careers how important it is at such times to remain in dialogue and to uphold the value of the transatlantic partnership.

As Ambassador, you experienced a period of cooling off and dissatisfaction in German-American relations following the Wikileaks revelations. It was fortunate for this friendship that you were in Germany at the time and were able to act as an excellent and tireless bridge-builder.

We are currently experiencing how crucial it is to have dependable relations and a rock-solid base of shared fundamental principles when we are facing not just dissatisfaction but an epochal crises. Germany, the European partners and the United States stand together firmly at the side of Ukraine, which can count on our solidarity and support for as long as is necessary.

Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has united us as transatlantic partners who share and defend the basic principles of freedom, democracy and territorial self-determination. Because the aggressor is attacking not only Ukraine but also these principles.

We are seeing the great pressure on democracies in our two countries – pressure from the outside but also from within. It is in the interest of authoritarian forces to polarise democratic debate as much as possible so that there is no more space for exchanging arguments – for listening and trying to understand, for reason and empathy – thus allowing the loudest voices, those most filled with hate, to prevail. It is up to us to resist this mechanism, which stirs up violence and weakens democratic institutions.

Exchange, face-to-face encounters like this morning and education are always good antidotes to this – and you, Phil, have championed all three in the course of your political career.

Today as Governor of New Jersey, you are keen to promote academic, political as well as economic exchange – also with Germany. Many German companies operate in your state, employing a workforce of around 30,000. And it is thanks to your initiative and efforts that the German dual training system has now become established here, and that skilled workers are being trained in a joint program run by the Montclair State University and the German American Chamber of Commerce. I am especially pleased that several German companies are involved in this training program.

Even in your first term of office as Governor, you did everything you could to support German-American relations, whether it be through talks with high-level German visitors from business or the world of politics, or whether it be as contact point for our diplomatic missions. We are pleased and grateful to have you by our side following your re-election.

Germany could not wish for a more reliable, knowledgeable and charming partner than you. We are honoring you today for your many years of really outstanding service to transatlantic relations. You have been awarded the Knight Commander’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany in recognition of your commitment to German-American friendship. I am proud to present it to you today – and I would like to express my gratitude for your steady and remarkable affection for our country. Thank you very much!