Building on 50 years of diplomatic ties, the Federal Republic of Germany has opened its embassy in Nasese, Suva, to broaden the scope of engagements between the two nations.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka toured the premises yesterday and said the move marked further strengthening of relations with one of Fiji’s most important partners.
Mr Rabuka said Fiji had a lot of engineering requirements, which would likely be at the forefront of further collaborations between the two nations.
“The discussions we have had, has opened further doors of discussion on some of our requirements in that area, in development and particularly in our strive towards climate change issues and they are very willing,” he said.
“The special envoy has assured us of their cooperation, so we have another strong, powerful friend to fight with us on that area.”
Additionally, he said having the embassy in Nasese was an indication Suva’s growing central business area.
German ambassador to Fiji Dr Andreas Prothmann said they were pleased to open the embassy in Fiji, as it was the hub of the Pacific, had good connectivity and was home to many regional organisations such as Pacific Islands Forum.
“We are here to make a contribution in many fields like development but also in trade and investment, tourism and even in sports and of course, in culture so we hope with this embassy, we will deepen and broaden our bilateral relationship,” he said.
Dr Prothmann said they were still in the starting phase of the embassy and had three diplomats from Germany and four local staff members.
However, this would likely expand in the future as Dr Prothmann said they would deal with various topics such as politics, economics, culture and combatting the adverse effects of climate change.
Germany’s special envoy for Pacific Island States Beate Grzeski also welcomed the embassy opening, and stated it was an occasion to deepen relations with regional organisations plus the high commissions in Fiji.
