2006/01/01

Official “Welcome to Germany – Land of Ideas” ceremonial act in Berlin introduces the year of the Football World Cup 2006

Minister of the Interior Dr. Wolfgang Schäuble welcomes the ambassadors and representatives of all countries participating in the World Cup /Image film has its premiere / Broadcasting of pictures by over 300 TV Stations worldwide.

Berlin, 31st December 2005. The New Year’s Eve celebration at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin already gave an impression of the Football World Cup 2006. Minister of the Interior Dr. Wolfgang Schäuble symbolically introduced the year of the World Cup with a ceremonial act, together with the ambassadors and representatives of the 31 countries participating in the World Cup.

Dr. Wolfgang Schäuble commented: “It is essential that we give the world a warm and peaceful welcome during the Football World Cup, just as we are doing here tonight in Berlin.”

Alongside a varied stage programme, national and international guests on the festive mile between the Brandenburg Gate and the Große Stern (large starlike intersection) watched the premiere of the film “Welcome to Germany – Land of Ideas”. During the ten-minute film, German celebrities, such as violin virtuoso Anne-Sophie Mutter, astronaut Ulf Merbold, economic expert Beatrice Weder di Mauro, former football star Oliver Bierhoff and top model Heidi Klum emphasise Germany’s strengths as a cultural and research location, trading partner and sports nation. Pictures from the “Welcome to Germany” New Year’s Eve celebration are broadcast of worldwide by more than 300 TV stations. You will find further information on the initiative on this website.