MUNICH, Germany, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- German Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen called here on Friday for partnership in times of major changes.
"We live in a world, where partners matter. We are witnessing major changes in terms of technological progress, climate changes, distribution of wealth prosperity... All those changes bear certain challenges and opportunities," von der Leyen said during the 55th Munich Security Conference.
She noted during her opening speech that all nations are currently striving to find partners, in order to help harness those opportunities and to protect their citizens from risks at the same time.
"No nation can successfully do this solely on a national level. We need cooperation," von der Leyen continued.
She noted that the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and European Union should seek true partnership, which should not be built on dominance and should not create political or economic dependence. Meanwhile, the principles of fairness should be upheld in the transatlantic friendship.
The conference, scheduled from Friday to Sunday, has attracted heads of state and government and other prestigious figures in world politics and security. The event will cover issues including competition and cooperation between the great powers, the EU's future, and the already tainted transatlantic relations.
