GERMANY has committed itself to strengthening ties within the Pacific.
Reflecting the peaceful reunification of East and West Germany in 1990, German Ambassador to Fiji Dr Andreas Prothmann said the day served as a living testament to the power of the people, resilience, and hope.
“Germany has been a long-standing partner to Fiji and the Pacific region in sustainable development and climate resilience,” Prothmann said.
“Germany is committed to further strengthening ties with Fiji and Pacific Island countries.”
He made the remarks on the 35th anniversary of German reunification – October 3.
Recent meetings between German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and Pacific leaders underscore the deepening partnership, with high-level visits from Fijian leaders to Germany strengthening this partnership.
Prothmann added that, through their International Climate Initiative (IKI) and technical cooperation agency GIZ, they supported Pacific nations in climate adaptation and resilience, including projects on human mobility, biodiversity conservation, and low-carbon sea transport.
“New projects on water purification, Clean Seas and Blue Economy are being implemented soon in several Pacific Island countries,” he said.
“We contribute to Disaster Risk Reduction in the multi-donor Pacific Humanitarian Warehousing Program.
“Germany has pledged 5 million Euros to the Pacific Resilience Facility at the recent Talanoa-Session in New York.”
Prothmann said they also support people-to-people diplomacy, small-scale development projects and cultural exchanges.
“Through training courses for young Pacific diplomats, artists’ residences, cultural festivals and youth exchanges, we promote understanding and dialogue between our peoples.”
According to Prothmann, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) also supports and enhances academic and scientific connections between Germany, Fiji, and the Pacific.
The German Archaeological Institute is involved in preserving Tuvalu’s culture by creating a Digital Museum of its rich cultural heritage.