Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock paid a special one-hour visit to the Digicel Fiji under-15 girls’ development team at the Fiji FA Academy grounds in Vatuwaqa yesterday.
Baerbock spoke about the shared values and connections between Fiji and Germany despite the distance between the two countries.
“Fiji and Germany seem so far away, but we share so many things together, so I’m here as Foreign Minister to visit and enjoy my time here,” she said.
“It’s good to come and visit the girls as they did so well in their opening match against Samoa 13-0.
“We like to also work closely with Pacific island countries and open doors here in Fiji to strengthen the two countries together.”
Fiji FA chief executive officer Mohammed Yusuf noted Baerbock’s keen interest in meeting the young girls, which led her to spend an hour with the team.
“Germany is also extending a helping hand to our communities by offering funding to build an artificial mini football pitch.
“We initially had our sights set on Vashist Muni in Navua, but unfortunately, there were some setbacks, as in last-minute the community pulled out.
“However, we are now looking at Field 40 in Lautoka as our next target, with plans to invest money in constructing a mini football pitch for the communities around Lautoka.”
