Message by Ambassador Holger Michael

by Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Bangladesh
September 29, 2010

http://www.weeklyblitz.net/1004/message-by-ambassador-holger-michael

On 3 October 1990 the Federal Republic of Germany and the German Democratic Republic peacefully reunified to a single state. This year we commemorate the twentieth anniversary of this historic moment which laid the foundation for a united and stable Germany at the heart of a growing community of strong friends and partners.

For more than 40 years Germany has been divided against the free will of its people. The reunification resulted from the resilient hopes and tireless efforts of many in East and West. Fortunately, unification led to more than the disappearance of the Inner German Border.

On this joyful occasion we celebrate more than simply our own fortune:

This moment also marked the beginning of an unprecedented era in European history. Hostility has been replaced by friendship, and step by step we have been able to overcome the entrenched divides of the Cold War era across Europe. With the Treaty of Lisbon which came into force on 1 December 2009, we have again entered a new chapter in our joint strive for peace and prosperity.

While we hope that we will meet upcoming challenges in a successful and responsible manner, on this day of commemoration we also remember those who helped us along our way. We think of all people across Europe who shared our deep hope for a better future. Equally, we are grateful for the trust that our partners placed in a fully sovereign Germany committed to common values. By signing the "Two Plus Four Treaties" France, Great Britain, the United States and the Soviet Union gave up the relics of the post-war order and renewed their confidence in a peaceful Germany at the heart of Europe.

Ever since we have been trying to maintain our commitments both domestically and in our relations with our partners throughout the world.

It is a pleasure to be able to say that Germany now is stable and responsible democracy firmly established in the community of the European Union. But let us not take anything for granted. What has been achieved, has only been possible as a result of continuous efforts. The same can be said about the many good relations we share with our partners. Our mutual belief in the strength of democracy, freedom and human rights certainly is at the heart of our friendship with Bangladesh.

But it is because our friendship is truly lived and expanded year after year that it can truly flourish.

Bangladesh and Germany share many views on international topics such as climate change, importance of regional integration, development and others. We look back on a string of political exchanges between our Parliaments and Governments. As a testimony of the latter I wish to recall the recent successful visit of H.E. Foreign Minister Dipu Moni to Germany, when official talks on ministerial level were complemented by a strong push for cultural, scientific and economic relations.

While Germany is firmly convinced that Bangladesh has the potential to advance to a middle income country, we continue to acknowledge the significant challenges that it faces along this way. Ever since the independence of Bangladesh, we have been a reliable development partner with contributions amounting to more than 4.4 billion Euro in bilateral and multilateral aid. Since 1978 bilateral contributions have exclusively been grants. The successful signing of the Joint Cooperation Strategy between Bangladesh and its developments partners in June 2010 marked an important milestone in our joint efforts to support Bangladesh in overcoming the obstacles to a better future. We rejoice the excellent response with which the good work of the GTZ as the German Development Partner is received.

Regarding our strong trade relations with Bangladesh, we are proud to say that our trade volume increased by as much as 16% in the past year. This is certainly an exceptional trend given the state of the global economy and it is an extremely positive sign for Bangladesh. While Bangladeshi exports to Germany significantly grew in volume again, we are also pleased about a significant rise in German exports to Bangladesh. New areas of mutually beneficial business relations such as shipbuilding emerge. With German companies increasingly investing in socially and environmentally sustainable projects in Bangladesh, we are delighted to see a combination of social imperatives and economic logics which will promote the mutual benefit of our already fruitful economic relations.

Our cultural relations continue to grow as academic and cultural exchange continue to flourish: Another three Bangladeshi schools have successful joined the Goethe Institute's renowned "Schools: Partners for the Future" (PASCH) programme. Furthermore, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation have been hosting for the first time seminars and workshops with Bangladeshi and foreign Alumni in Dhaka and Mymensingh. We are also delighted about the partnership that Bangladesh Betar and Deutsche Welle (DW) signed in Dhaka on 9 March 2010 . It allows Deutsche Welle to broadcast their popular Bengali Radio Programs twice a day on FM.

The new programme can be received between 8:00 am and 8:30 am as well as 8:00 pm and 8:30 pm.

I would like to end by stressing that the Bangladeshi people can be assured of our continued commitment as a sincere friend across all levels of our excellent relationship. This has been proven in our relations so far and I am very much looking forward to deepening those during the forthcoming years. Let me extend my cordial greeting to the people of Bangladesh as well as to all the German residents here!

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