Statement by Press Secretary Fitzwater on the President's Meeting With Foreign Minister Klaus Kinkel of Germany

The President met for approximately one-half hour in the Oval Office today with Klaus Kinkel, the Foreign Minister of Germany. This was the Foreign Minister's first meeting with the President. Their discussions were devoted mainly to U.S.-German relations, NATO, and the GATT round. The President underscored his belief in the importance of NATO and the U.S. presence in Europe to preserving our common security interests. He also expressed his hope for progress on the current round of the GATT negotiations.