I would add that personalities matters. Mr. Harder mentioned Mr. Shultz. Mr. Shultz was ready, from time to time, to come and discuss matters with us that were sometimes of a technical nature, complex, that generated little public interest. However, he was an expert, whereas Mr. Kissinger never wanted to discuss technical bilateral matters. He practically refused to take part in any discussion of that nature. As far as he was concerned, only major policy matters counted. Sometimes, what we can aspire to accomplish in our dialogue with the United States is based on the person we are dealing with.
On March 2nd, 2009. See this statement in context.