Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung für die Freiheit - Otto Graf Lambsdorff is lauded at his 80th birthday [Druckversion]
Otto Graf Lambsdorff is lauded at his 80th birthday
Count Lambsdorff turned 80 on 20th December 2006! The Friedrich Naumann Foundation invited for a Birthday Reception in honour of its former Chairman (1995-2006) at the Orangerie in the Charlottenburg Castle, Berlin, on 29th January, 2007.
Otto Graf Lambsdorff, Wolfgang Gerhardt, Guido Westerwelle
More than 500 guests from politics, business and society took the opportunity and celebrated one of Germany's most respected politicians. Current and former leaders of the FDP such as Guido Westerwelle (currently Chairman of the FDP), Hans-Dietrich Genscher (longest-serving German Foreign Minister) and Walter Scheel (formerly Foreign Minister and Federal President) were present as well as representatives of other parties, among them acting ministers and former Chancellor Helmut Kohl (CDU). The Keynote Address was held by Klaus von Dohnanyi (SPD), former Federal Minister and Mayor of Hamburg.
Dr. Wolfgang Gerhardt, Chairman of FNSt, stressed the integrity, discipline and straightforwardness that have characterized Count Lambsdorff throughout his life. For him, the value of freedom has always been indivisible. Rule of law and market economy are for him the two sides of that coin called freedom. Dr. Gerhardt thanked Count Lambsdorff for his service as Chairman of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation and assured him that our work will continue to reflect the norms and values that the Count stood for.
Klaus von Dohnanyi
Klaus von Dohnanyi emphasized the ongoing importance of the political messages of Count Lambsdorff. Apart from his legacy as one of the most effective and respected Ministers of Economy, he particularly mentioned Count Lambsdorff's engagement for a reform of federalism in Germany, and his contribution to open and trustful relations with the United States of America. "Your importance could also help us to explain European interests." In a special message read out at the occasion, His Holiness the Dalai Lama thanked Count Lambsdorff for his friendship and his continuous support for the just cause of Tibet. "Your principled stand for freedom, justice, human rights and democracy is a great source of inspiration not only to the people of Tibet, but for all who cherish these basic rights."
Guido Westerwelle
Guido Westerwelle reminded the audience that Count Lambsdorff was Chairman of the FDP during the time of the reunification of Germany. Under Count Lambsdorff's leadership, the FDP was the first German party to unite its West German and East German wings – even before the national reunification took place. He also noted Count Lambsdorff's important international role, foremost as President of Liberal International. "Your engagement always has an international emphasis, a commitment to human rights and free trade. You speak as a German who is paid attention to throughout the world."
Count Lambsdorff has visited South Asia many times, and since decades he has friends in the region, especially in India and Sri Lanka. As Honorary Member of the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce, he will maintain some official links with the region. FNSt South Asia congratulates Otto Graf Lambsdorff and thanks him for his guidance and support.
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