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Udenrigsministerens tale til gå-hjem-møde i Danish American Business Forum i Danmarks Eksportråd den 24. marts 2003 Address
by Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Per Stig Møller The disarmament of Iraq is 12 years
overdue. Now, this threat to regional stability will have to be removed by force.
Last week an American lead coalition initiated military operations with the aim
of finishing the job which Saddam Hussein himself never intended to complete. The Iraqi conflict has caused a rumble in the relationship between Europe and The United States. The damage inflicted, however, is not severe and will have to be mended in the immediate future. Universal peace and prosperity is dependent on a smooth and efficient transatlantic relationship. The state of the transatlantic relations is an issue of fundamental and critical importance for Denmark. The aim of Denmark is a strong Europe in very close co-operation with a strong United States. The transatlantic relationship is and will remain a cornerstone in Danish foreign policy. During the Danish EU-presidency we stood very firm on this position, and we remain committed to do so. We must not fall into a trap of trying to build a strong Europe as a competitor to the US. We shall not compete against one another in world politics, but complement each other. We should build a strong Europe, which is a reliable and solid partner for the US allowing us to meet the many important challenges together. We see no alternative to American engagement and leadership when global action is called for. At the same time close coordination with friends and allies is absolutely essential - also in the future. What are the implications for Danish companies? First of all let me underline, that intense commercial relations are an effective vaccination against the EU and US drifting apart. That's why Danish and also American companies not only play an important economic but also a political role. I am, therefore very happy that Danish-American trade and investments are in good shape. Of course Denmark only has a fraction of the American imports - about 0,3 per cent - but I am happy to say, that for the last couple of years we have successfully increased that share. I note this with satisfaction because it shows that Danish companies have great competitive strengths and competences. And it also shows that Danish businesses are eager to form bonds and affinities across the Atlantic. Also with regard to investments we are in good shape. Recently, two large Danish companies have invested heavily in the USA: Group 4 Falck took over The Wackenhut Corporation. And Maersk merged with Sealand, thereby forming Maersk-Sealand, the world's absolute largest shipping company The very bedrock of international order - organizations like the UN, NATO, the WTO and EU - is challenged when the transatlantic relationship is strained. Denmark will, therefore, continue to underpin and further develop transatlantic co-operation and thereby also strengthen the very backbone of those institutions that carry the international order. Talen
findes i sin helhed på udenrigsministeriets hjemmeside. Klik
her. Se også -
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