The German Embassy in Suva commemorated its first anniversary in Fiji last night, having established the embassy just a year prior.
German Ambassador to Fiji, Dr. Andreas Prothmann, expressed that Fiji and Germany share mutual interests and emphasized that their bilateral relationship is just beginning to develop.
The celebration drew hundreds of participants, including government officials, diplomats, and members of the public, coinciding with the observance of German Unity Day, which honors Germany’s reunification after years of division.
“German reunification on October 3rd, 1990, is one of the most joyful moments in German history, following a peaceful revolution in East Germany that led to the fall of the Berlin Wall. We are fortunate to have lived in a united country for over a generation now,” said Ambassador Dr. Prothmann.
The opening of the German Embassy in Suva last year has strengthened diplomatic ties between Germany and Fiji, opening avenues for enhanced collaboration in sectors like climate action, trade, and development.
“We’re pleased to be a part of the diplomatic community in the Pacific. We take pride in being members of Team Europe here in Suva alongside our French, Spanish, and UK counterparts, and we collaborate closely with the Pacific Islands Forum and other regional organizations. Germany enjoys a strong relationship with Fiji and the Pacific region, sharing common values and interests. We stand for a rules-based international order, exemplified by our voting in favor of UN resolutions condemning Russia’s aggression in Ukraine,” the Ambassador stated.
This year’s celebration marked the second German Unity Day in Suva, focusing particularly on showcasing Germany’s 16 diverse federal states.
The theme highlighted the distinct histories, cultures, and traditions that each region possesses, offering Fijians an insight into Germany’s rich cultural diversity.