The German Council on Foreign Relations honors the memory of its longtime member
Our institution honors the memory of Helmut Schmidt and looks back with gratitude and great respect on his lifetime of achievement, his service to Germany, and his invaluable contribution to German foreign policy.
With the loss of Helmut Schmidt, our institution keenly feels the loss of a passionate crisis manager, publisher, and, not least, a key actor in the world of foreign policy. He consistently approached his interlocutors, whether in the US, in China, or in neighboring European countries, with respect, frankness, and fair-mindedness. He initiated important European projects and was inimitable in his ability to face crises with grace and skill.
Helmut Schmidt was closely associated with the German Council on Foreign Relations for many years. He joined the council as a member in 1961 and served as deputy president in 1967, subsequently heading the DGAP’s study group on international security. He was awarded an honorary membership in 1999. We look back with deep appreciation on this long period of his support for this institution.
We honor the memory of Helmut Schmidt and look back with gratitude and great respect on his lifetime of achievement, his service to Germany, and his invaluable contribution to German foreign policy.
We extend our deepest sympathies to his family.
Dr. Arend Oetker
President of the German Council on Foreign Relations