By BERLIN — President Joe Biden met with top world leaders here Friday at a tenuous moment for Ukraine and the Middle East, two ongoing and volatile wars that have marked Biden’s time in office and will define his foreign policy legacy.
“Ukraine faces a tough winter. We must sustain our resolve, our effort and our support,” Biden said as he arrived for a series of ceremonial and substantive sit-downs. “I know the cost is heavy. Make no mistake, it pales in comparison to the cost of living in a world where aggression prevails, where large states attack and bully smaller ones — simply because they can.”
Biden also spoke of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, the architect of the deadly Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel whose death was confirmed Thursday by the Israeli military.
“The death of the Hamas leader Sinwar represents a moment of justice,” he said. “He had the blood of Americans and Israelis, Palestinians and Germans and so many others on his hands. I told the prime minister of Israel yesterday, let’s also make this moment an opportunity to seek a path to peace, a better future in Gaza without Hamas.”
Biden was greeted Friday by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. They were later joined by French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
In remarks ahead of their meeting, Scholz echoed Biden’s recent calls to renew efforts to bring about a conclusion to the war in the Middle East.
“With the death of Sinwar … the concrete prospect of a cease-fire in Gaza and an agreement to release the hostages of Hamas will hopefully open up,” Scholz said. “Joe, we have always supported your efforts in this conflict and will continue to do so. Our common goal remains a credible political process towards a two-state solution. We are fully committed to this.”
In what was likely a farewell visit by Biden, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier awarded him the country’s highest honor, the Special Class of the Grand Cross, which is reserved for heads of state. Former president George H.W. Bush was awarded the same order in 1994 for his role in German reunification.
European leaders are closely watching the U.S. elections, and many are bracing for the possible return of Donald Trump, who has threatened to upend some of the transatlantic relationships that Biden has sought to bolster.
While Steinmeier remarked that it is up to Americans to choose their president, he also talked about the importance of Biden’s commitment to working with European allies.
“When you were elected president, you restored Europe’s hope in the transatlantic alliance, literally overnight,” Steinmeier said, before speaking specifically about the need for a strong alliance to counter Russian President Vladimir Putin after his invasion of Ukraine.
“Putin thought we would be weak. He thought we would be divided. But the opposite was true. NATO was stronger and more united than ever. And that is in no small part, Mr. President, thanks to your leadership.
“In this time when democracy is under strain all around the Western world, you, Mr. President, have been a beacon of democracy,” he added.
The whirlwind trip — lasting about a day — also comes at a moment when Biden is attempting to bolster his legacy, and has grown nostalgic at times.
“The times I’ve lived through have taught me that history does move forward and things can get better, if we determine they must,” he said. “Things can get better. That we should never underestimate the power of democracy. Never underestimate the value of alliances. Germany has taught us all that change is possible for better or for worse. Countries can and do choose their own destinies.”
Viser reported from Washington.