Kohl Bids Reagan Farewell in Last Official Meeting

President Reagan and West German Chancellor Helmut Kohl said goodby Tuesday amid fond recollections of their six-year working relationship and the President’s declaration that the divided city of Berlin remains “a litmus test of East-West relations.”

The two leaders, who called each other “dear Ron” and “Helmut,” met in a one-on-one session, in a larger gathering and at a luncheon, after which each made departure statements on the sunny South Lawn of the White House. Kohl also paid a visit to President-elect George Bush.

Their remarks illustrated both their affinity for each other and their agreement on a range of issues, including East-West relations and economic matters.

At the same time, the tough issue of “burden sharing”--the notion that Washington’s allies should assume a larger share of the cost of defense--emerged, as it always does during such meetings.

“West Germany and the United States continue to seek ways to share . . . the risks, the burdens and responsibilities, as well as the benefits of our common defense,” Reagan said. “We reviewed the difficulties each country faces in doing more, but pledged we would each do our fair share.”

Kohl did not address the issue, saying instead that “today, more than ever, we know how important it is to stand together to defend our freedom and unity.”

Reagan said that he and Kohl had “reviewed the positive state” of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, adding that the two countries, along with other NATO allies, “will ensure that our conventional and nuclear forces are kept up to date.”

Rozanne L. Ridgway, assistant secretary of state for European and Canadian affairs, later briefed reporters and was asked if Reagan’s words meant that Kohl had “agreed to modernize.” Reagan’s statement meant no more than it said, she replied.

At one point, Reagan said that he had congratulated Kohl on the European Communities’ steps toward economic integration but had “expressed our concern that this be done in a manner that promotes fair trade internationally.”

Later, Kohl spoke at Georgetown University after accepting an honorary doctorate. He sought to calm fears that the 12-nation economic alliance would close its markets to the rest of the world.

Acknowledging that the slogan “Fortress Europe” is making the rounds, he said: “I am not treating our partners’ concerns lightly, but I am convinced they are unfounded.”

Such concerns seemed minor at the White House farewell as the two lavished praise on each other.

Reaffirming “the strong American commitment to Berlin,” the President said: “That divided city . . . remains a powerful symbol of a divided Europe and a litmus test of East-West relations.”

Kohl recalled Reagan’s June, 1987, speech at the Brandenburg Gate, symbol of the division, and challenged Soviet President Mikhail S. Gorbachev to “open this gate . . . tear down this wall.”

That speech, Kohl said, “is unforgettable to all of us. This wasn’t only a speech, but it showed a very personal commitment to the cause of Berlin.”

Times staff writer Norman Kempster contributed to this story.