NEWLY appointed German Ambassador to Solomon Islands has presented her letter of credence to the Governor General, His Excellency Sir Frank Kabui, at the Government House in Honiara yesterday.

Her Excellency, Ambassador Dr Anna Prinz replaces Dr Christoph Müller who had served well and has been recalled.

At the ceremony, Ambassador Prinz expressed honour for being entrusted by Germany to serve in the Solomon Islands.

She said the Federal Republic of Germany is a friend of the Solomon Islands and has been for many years, connected via diplomacy, international relations, trade and development.

“We are cooperating in particular in the framework of international organisations to safeguard peace and to protect the environment as partners in many organisations.

“Climate change is a threat to all of USA and Germany tries to implement the resolutions of the Paris Climate Conference last year with new diplomatic efforts in Bonn in 2017 at a further international conference in the framework of the UN,” she said.
Her Excellency Dr Prinz said Germany is also counting on support from Solomon Islands for a seat as a non-permanent member of the United Nations’ Security Council as Germany is one of the largest contributors and wants to promote peace via the United Nations and other means.

“History shows how vulnerable we all are and the remains of the last war are still to be seen.”

Sir Frank welcomed HE Dr Prinz and said Solomon Islands values Germany’s commitment through multilateral organisations such as the European Development Fund, the United Nations and the World Bank which have contributed to the economic, social and cultural development of Solomon Islands.

“As well, your country is being active in the Climate Change Policy in the South Pacific Region through the German Corporation for International Corporation.

“Currently, the Choiseul Province Integrated Climate Change Programme is an example of funding from this German organisation,” Sir Kabui said.

He told HE Dr Prinz that Solomon Islands has taken note of Germany’s candidacy for non-permanent membership of the UN’s Security Council.

“The United Nations Security Council is important and we value its objectives and values.

“Please do convey to His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Germany, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier my best wishes for his good health and to the government and people of Germany, warmest greetings of friendship from all of us in Solomon Islands.”