Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama received a courtesy call from the German Ambassador and Special Envoy for the Pacific Island States, Her Excellency Ms. Beate Grzeski, this afternoon (21/10/22) at the Fiji Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters in Suva.
The Prime Minister congratulated Ambassador Grzeski on her new appointment which, signifies the German Government’s commitment to the development of the Pacific region.
He extended the Fijian Government’s appreciation to Germany for the support provided through the German Development Aid arm, (GIZ) and its regional programmes in areas of climate adaptation and oceans.
The Prime Minister conveyed his best wishes to Ambassador Grzeski as she assumes her new role and expressed confidence that during Ambassador Grzeski’s tenure, the partnerships between the two nations will elevate to new heights.
The discussion focused on Fiji welcoming the proposal from Germany to establish their first Mission in Fiji and the Pacific. Fiji is also keen to establish cooperation with Germany in investment opportunities in critical areas.
The Prime Minister said the Pacific region looks to development partners to help with the implementation of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, which outlines a vision of hope and a unified message of resilience and solidarity of the Pacific people.
On climate diplomacy, the Prime Minister said through the support of development partners like Germany, Fiji is preparing for the upcoming COP27 in Egypt; the Pacific will attend COP27 with one voice, drawing on consistent messages on ensuring that no one is left behind in addressing the climate war, in particular – Small Island Developing States here in the Pacific, a region most impacted by the adverse impacts of climate change.
In response, Ambassador and Special Envoy of Germany for the Pacific Island States, Her Excellency Beate Grzeski thanked Prime Minister Bainimarama for his exemplary leadership at global and regional status.
Ambassador Grzeski in her capacity as the special envoy for 14 Pacific Island Countries said she was grateful to meet with the Prime Minister to discuss the expectations of the Pacific Island states and how Germany can better support the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent and complement all the efforts of the Fijian Government.
She reaffirmed Germany’s support in the lead up to COP 27 and she also commended Fijian the Government’s great efforts at the global arena to advance issues of importance to Fiji and the region.
Since establishment of diplomatic relations in 1973, Fiji and Germany have enjoyed deepened relations over the years with strengthened friendship and cooperation.
Germany’s collaboration through the European Union (EU) expands in various sectors including infrastructure, education healthcare, gender, climate change, trade, agriculture and sustainable development and these has contributed towards Fiji’s national development over the years.
