The FINANCIAL -- Germany's foreign minister told the United Nations on Friday that Europe will remain a world "force to be reckoned with" despite its crippling debt crisis.

Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle also sent the message that his country "is aware of its responsibility for Europe."

"Many of you are wondering whether Europe can successfully manage its sovereign debt crisis and whether it will continue to play a leading role in the world. The answer is an emphatic 'yes'," Westerwelle told the 193-nation UN General Assembly.

"The way out of the sovereign debt crisis is difficult. It requires spending discipline, solidarity and growth. We will continue down this road. Europe is growing closer together.

"Europe is consolidating. Europe will emerge from this crisis stronger than ever before. Europe will remain a force to be reckoned with."

As EUbusiness reported, he highlighted how the European Union is one of the world's largest development assistance donor and a leading force for fighting climate change and arms proliferation.

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