USOSCE Ambassador James Gilmore Discusses U.S.-German Shared Security Interests with Ambassador Gesa Bräutigam of Germany – a “Close Friend and Ally”
PRESS RELEASE | August 20, 2019
USOSCE Ambassador James Gilmore met August 14 with Ambassador Gesa Bräutigam, Germany’s newly-arrived Ambassador to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), to discuss ways in which the United States and Germany cooperate to advance a broad range of shared security interests across the OSCE region.
“The OSCE provides a unique forum for allies like the United States and Germany to work together to advance our shared interests in Europe,” Ambassador Gilmore said. “The United States looks forward to deepening cooperation with our close friend and ally Germany across the OSCE region.”
As close allies and members of NATO, the United States and Germany strongly support the substantial modernization of the Vienna Document, the cornerstone of the OSCE’s political confidence – and security-building efforts to increase military transparency and openness regarding military holdings and activities.
Ambassadors Gilmore and Bräutigam also discussed ways in which the United States and Germany will collaborate in the Open Skies Consultative Commission (OSCC), the implementing body for the Open Skies Treaty. The United States will chair the OSCC from September to December 2019.
James S. Gilmore III, Permanent Representative of the U.S. Mission to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, was sworn in as Ambassador on June 25, 2019. He was Virginia’s 68th Governor from 1998-2002. With his appointment of a former Governor, President Trump demonstrates the strong U.S. commitment to strategic multilateral engagement as well as peace and security throughout Europe and Eurasia. Ambassador Gilmore has dedicated much of his career to public service, serving in the U.S. Army, as a county prosecutor, and as Virginia’s Attorney General before his election as governor. He holds undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Virginia.
Ambassador Bräutigam is a career German diplomat. For the past five years, she coordinated Germany-European Union issues, before that, inter aliea she served at Germany’s Embassy in Washington and its Mission to NATO. She also served on the staff of Foreign Ministers Steinmeier (2007-2009) and Westerwelle (2009-2011).
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For further information please contact:
U.S. Mission to the OSCE
Elaine A. Paplos, Counselor for Public Affairs
Email: PaplosEA[at]state.gov
