German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has honored the late former US President Jimmy Carter as a “significant peacebroker and a great role model for personal engagement.”
“The presidency of Jimmy Carter was characterized by an unwavering commitment to addressing global challenges” Steinmeier said on Monday. His “unshakeable convictions” had been based on the insight of interdependencies, which had allowed him to be ahead of his time.
“His foreign policy endeavors, such as mediating between Israel and Egypt, negotiations on arms control with the USSR, or diplomatic relations with China, have always served the goal of preserving peace in the world” the Federal President said. Germans will also remember his state visit in 1978 to Bonn, Frankfurt am Main, and West Berlin in a special way.
Carter, however, did not only work towards his ideals as a head of state, Steinmeier added. “Until his death, he continued to engage in peace efforts, whether in the Middle East, North Korea, or Bosnia and Herzegovina.” His engagement for democracy, human rights, and freedom has been recognized worldwide, not least through the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. “It should remain a role model and an inspiration for us in the future.