German President Calls for US 'Respect, Not Egoism' on Berlin Wall Fall Anniversary

The ninth of November marks the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall that once separated West Berlin from the German Democratic Republic for 28 years.

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has implored the United States to be a mutually respectful partner and abandon national egoism.

Speaking at the Brandenburg Gate during celebrations dedicated to the fall of the Berlin Wall, Steinmeier recalled the US role in bringing down the barrier.

"This America as a mutually respectful partner, as a partner for democracy and freedom, against national egoism - that is what I hope for in the future too," the president stated.

Steinmeier admitted that he can still remember former US President Ronald Reagan's speech at the Brandenburg Gate in which he called for the demolition of the wall.

The Berlin Wall was regarded as an “iron curtain” separating Western and Eastern Europe during the Cold War, both physically and ideologically.

The official demolition of the Wall began on 13 June 1990 and resulted in Germany's reunification on 3 October that same year.