SG: It's a great honour and pleasure for me to visit Germany again and have a good bilateral meeting with my dear colleague, Foreign Minister Westerwelle. I thank you very much again for your leadership and hospitality.
Germany is one of the most important Member States and [is a] strong partner of the United Nations. As Secretary-General, I am always grateful for such strong commitment and leadership demonstrated by German diplomats and leaders and also such generous support for the United Nations' work. Germany is the third largest financial contributor to the United Nations' budget, and Germany provides peacekeepers, most importantly in Lebanon and in Sudan and some other places.
And Germany has been a strong supporter and leader in the peacebuilding process, taking charge as Chairman of Peacebuilding Commission by Ambassador Peter Wittig. And now, serving as one of the Security Council members, I count upon the leadership and continued commitment of the German Government. As Secretary-General, you can count on me at the same time [as] we will hope that you will demonstrate your leadership.
As I said, the United Nations-German partnership is a cornerstone of regional and international security. We work together on many important issues.
Today, briefly, we discussed ways to strengthen our cooperation to secure peace, advance human rights, promote sustainable development and achieve progress in disarmament and non-proliferation.
We also discussed regional hotspots, as the Foreign Minister has just explained, particularly the ongoing situation in Egypt. We also discussed some hotspots in North Africa, Côte d'Ivoire, Iran, and the peace process in the Middle East.
We will continue over lunch to discuss all other matters of common concern.
At this time, let me briefly say a few words.
In the last few days, I have been speaking on the situation in Egypt. Therefore, my statement at this time will be brief, in addition to what I have already stated yesterday with President [Christian] Wulff and with British Prime Minister David Cameron in London.
I sincerely hope that today's demonstration will take place without violence from any side. We have seen too much violence [over] the last few days and also bloodshed. Now is the time for Egyptians to begin a process of peaceful and orderly transition leading to free and fair elections respecting the genuine will of the Egyptian people expressed so far through their demonstrations.
The United Nations stands ready to assist in this process.
Ladies and Gentlemen, again going back to other issues. Germany strongly supports peace in the Middle East. I look forward to the Quartet meeting in Munich tomorrow on the margins of the Munich Security Conference.
On Afghanistan, I hope that Germany will continue its support over the long term as the Afghan Government carries out its commitment to deliver more effectively to its people. I am very much encouraged by such a strong commitment by Foreign Minister Westerwelle regarding [Germany's] participation [and] contribution for the better future, better security of the Afghan people.
On Cyprus, I briefed Foreign Minister Westerwelle of the status of negotiations and my talks with the leaders in Geneva which happened last week.
Lastly, I congratulated the German Government on its election to the Security Council and I look forward to its many constructive contributions and across its agenda, Germany is an indispensable partner of the United Nations.
Thank you very much. Danke schön.
Q: President Mubarak said that he will not step down immediately to prevent further chaos in his country. I'm interested in your opinion about that. What do you think President Mubarak should do to have a peaceful solution?
SG: I heard President Mubarak's statement the other day of his intention and about his future as President of Egypt. I believe it is important for the Egyptian leadership to listen more attentively and carefully to what the genuine and real wishes are. Reflecting their wishes will be very important. As the Foreign Minister said, it is up to the Egyptian people who will decide their leadership.