Joint statement by German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel and Dutch Foreign Minister Bert Koenders

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Our two countries are dedicating major efforts to the fight against terrorism. We are determined to do everything in our power to effectively combat the dangers of terrorism. That is what our citizens rightly expect of us, both here in Europe and on the other side of the Atlantic.

However, that fight can only be won with a clear compass and a sound footing in a robust set of values. Here in Europe, it is not our policy to stigmatise people because of their origins or their religion. Furthermore, the protection of refugees as established in the Geneva Convention relating to the Status of Refugees is a binding duty under international law and must not be compromised. We certainly do not believe that banning millions of people from entering a country because of their nationality, origins and religion can be the right approach in the fight against terrorism.

Our embassies in Washington are currently working that out to establish what the US executive order means for our citizens with dual nationality and have placed urgent requests with their American contacts asking for explanations and clarity. We are determined to safeguard the rights of our citizens and will move swiftly to agree with the rest of the European Union on what steps now need to be taken to that end.