Hesse-US diplomatic and economic relations

Hesse Minister President Boris Rhein conducted a diplomatic mission to the United States to strengthen political, economic, and security ties between the German state and the U.S.

During a reception in Washington, D.C., held in conjunction with German Unity Day, Rhein promoted Hesse as a ‘gateway to Europe’ and a hub for innovation. The event featured various institutions and companies, such as Merck and Rheinmetall, and included remarks from U.S. Deputy Commerce Minister Paul M. Dabbar.

Following the reception, Rhein led a delegation to Washington, D.C., and New York to meet with high-ranking officials, including U.S. Deputy National Security Advisor Mike Needham. Discussions centered on defense, security, and trade. Rhein also visited the New York Stock Exchange to advocate for closer connections between the financial hubs of New York and Frankfurt. He noted that the U.S. is Hesse’s most important trading partner, citing a trade volume of approximately 28.4 billion euros in 2025, and emphasized the necessity for European security autonomy, stating, “Europe must grow up. We must be able to defend ourselves against all those who challenge us.”