At the ceremony of the International Charlemagne Prize of Aachen to honor European Parliament President Martin Schulz

In the name of God, the Most Merciful, the Compassionate,

Mayor Philipp,
Dr. Linden,
[Your Majesty,]
President Gauck,
[President Holland,]
Excellencies,
President Schulz, my friend,

Thank you. It is an honour to visit this historic city and share in this occasion. Aachen, the seat of Charlemagne’s Europe, is famed today as a champion of modern European unity and peace.

I want to thank, especially, the Board of Directors, for inviting me to take part in this year’s ceremonies. I join you from Jordan, a friend and neighbour of Europe, to recognise a man who has been a friend and neighbour to our entire region. President Schulz, on behalf of so many, allow me to congratulate you today.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
I do not need to tell you the profound interests that are shared between Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. What happens in one of our regions can, and often does, directly impact what happens in the other. People, goods and ideas flow between us, like any neighbourhood. But, also like any neighbourhood, we face common dangers.

Isolation is not the answer. Walls are not the answer. Suspicion of the other is not the answer. As Europe has shown, as Martin Schulz has affirmed, peace and prosperity are secured only by co-existence, in a partnership of mutual strengths, based on mutual respect.

From the beginning, the EU has recognised a ‘special relationship’ with neighbouring countries, including us, your neighbours to the south. As President Schulz has made clear, that relationship calls for common action on many fronts.

First and foremost is the simple act of defending the principle of mutual respect. Ideologies of hatred and violence kill co-existence and fuel Islamophobia. Such divisions simply play into the hands of violent extremists. They erode the contributions of good citizens – the vast, vast majority of Europe’s Muslims.

Many Europeans, in the EU and across society, are working to counter such wrongs. We must continue to work together. Jordan is a Muslim country, with a deeply rooted Christian community. We count respect for human dignity among our deepest national values of tolerance and moderation. Our country has led a global interfaith dialogue, and we will work closely with Europe as a friend and partner to strengthen this dialogue.

Another area for solidarity is defence against terrorism. In my region and elsewhere, we are seeing the devastating impact of the Khawarij, outlaws of Islam, on social peace and cohesion. The Arab world and Europe are united in rejecting these criminals and their heinous acts. In Paris, in Tunis, in Amman, in Strasbourg and at the Brandenburg Gate and in many other places, people have stood together to uphold our shared values.

Terrorists respect no borders. Our defence must be equally international and focused. In this, the EU plays a central role. President Schulz has called for a global partnership against terrorism. I know that in the days ahead our cooperation, in all areas, will continue to grow.

I must also say a word about EU partnership in economic affairs. In the Arab world, young people make up 65 percent of the population. Too many lack opportunity at the starting-gate of their lives. No work, no hope makes young people targets for radicals. Our youth deserve better options, options that will bring them what they really need: good jobs and good prospects, and stable communities to build fulfilling lives. Young Europeans deserve just the same. Economic cooperation is key to meeting those needs.

President Schulz, let me recognise the support of the European Parliament in this regard. Your personal commitment to development helps both in managing current challenges, and getting all our countries in position for a stronger future. May I say, my own country is resolute about moving forward, even in the midst of serious regional turmoil and economic challenges. Europe’s support for Jordan is essential, and highly appreciated.

Finally, let me say a word about the long confrontation between Palestinians and Israelis. No single crisis creates more global division and radicalisation. No single issue has endangered our neighbourhood’s security and stability for longer. No occupation more cruelly flouts the first principle in the European Charter, the Principle of Peace: “Human dignity is inviolable.”

For millions of people around the world, tomorrow, May 15, is best known as An Nakba, the Catastrophe, the beginning of Palestinian exile, 67 years ago. A Palestinian boy or girl born on that day has spent a lifetime without the opportunities of peace and the dignity of independence. Grandchildren of that generation, part of a global world, are asking: Where is this global justice I hear about? Why rights for others and not for Palestinians?

What’s required now is the parties’ willpower – the same willpower that helped Europe find its future: the will to live in peace and mutual respect.

Europe thus has a vital role. To provide openings for change and to convey a strong message: security comes only with peace – and peace comes only with respect and co-existence. This message is the special power of the European Parliament, with its millions of voices, and its great voice, Martin Schulz.

President Schulz, your distinguished record teaches all the world that even in challenging times, it is our duty to keep moving forward, in dialogue, in mutual respect. I congratulate you again for the award you receive today. And I look forward to many more years of your leadership for Europe and the world.

Thank you very much. Vielen Dank.