Naming of New President of the European Council and EU High Representative
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
November 19, 2009
Today’s appointment of a permanent President of the European Council and a High Representative for Foreign Affairs and
Security Policy is a milestone for Europe and for its role in the world.
I warmly congratulate President Van Rompuy and my new counterpart High Representative Ashton. I look forward to working
closely with them to strengthen and broaden our partnership -- from achieving stability in Afghanistan to securing
Iranian compliance with its nonproliferation obligations and promoting a comprehensive peace in the Middle East, among
many other shared objectives.
I also want to salute Javier Solana and Benita Ferrero-Waldner for their service as High Representative and External
Relations Commissioner. These talented diplomats have been trusted friends and valued partners.
The United States and Europe form a community of values. We are united by our deep commitment to freedom, security,
human rights, the rule of law, and open markets. Our 800 million citizens are bound together by enduring links of
culture and commerce, by our shared history and our common hopes for the future. We are working together as partners to
meet the challenges and seize the opportunities of the 21st century. With the appointment of these distinguished
leaders, I am more confident than ever that together we can build a more peaceful and prosperous world.
ENDS