"Freedom, democracy and protection of human rights are key elements of German foreign policy" - Ambassador Holger Michael

by Editorial Desk
October 3, 2011

http://www.weeklyblitz.net/1854/freedom-democracy-and-protection-of-human-rights

Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany in Bangladesh, Holger Michael, in a message on the occasion of the 21^st anniversary of German Unity said, "Freedom, democracy and protection of human rights are key elements of German foreign policy. We are glad to share these and other values with the people of Bangladesh."

The ambassador said, Tagore, a friend and frequent visitor to Germany, once said: "You can't cross the sea merely by standing and staring at the water." 21 years ago, hundreds of thousands citizens of the German Democratic Republic [East Germany] took this to heart, standing up against dictatorship. Their longing for freedom, justice and democracy gave birth to the peaceful revolution in 1989, eventually tearing down the frontier which had divided Germany for 40 years. Only due to their strong personal commitment, we can today commemorate the 21^st anniversary of German Unity."

He said, "During these 21 years, Germany has managed to deal with the challenges from the past and the united Germany continues to be a stable and prosperous democracy based on the rule of law and firmly placed in the community of the European Union.

"This year Bangladesh is celebrating the 40th anniversary of its independence. Germany wholeheartedly congratulates BGD [Bangladesh government] on this wonderful achievement. The quest for freedom led to Bangladesh's independence – likewise the idea of freedom is at the heart of German unity.

"It is also thanks to the shared values that our two countries and their people have – an inherent closeness for each other in spite of the geographical distance."

Ambassador Holger said, "During his first visit to Germany 90 years ago Tagore already underlined the importance of having such shared values in the course of his then visionary lectures about founding an university where people of many different cultures introduce each other to their own cultures, discover mutual values and foster understanding. Tagore's idea of cultural exchange can be identified also in the bonds between Germany and Bangladesh. We share values like rule of law, social justice, the respect for inalienable civil rights and liberties as well as free media and a diverse culture. Our belief in their strength is an indispensable part of our friendship.

"We know that these values cannot be taken for granted. They have to be gained and defended again and again.

"We acknowledge the significant challenges Bangladesh faces in many areas and appreciate the efforts and progress Bangladesh has undertaken. Germany and Bangladesh are united in the endeavor to protect future generations against the threats of a changing environment. We need a broad-based alliance in order to prevent climate change and an irreversible global warming and simultaneously adapt to those consequences that are unavoidable. Climate protection is a cross-cutting task for politics, business and technology, which can only be successful through cooperation across borders and continents."

Describing the existing economic relations between Bangladesh and Germany, the ambassador said, "Our economic relations took an extremely positive turn, the bilateral trade volume increased by 50% in the first half of this year alone, mayor investment projects are discussed. We are proud of this development and congratulate the Bangladesh German Chamber of Commerce and Industry on its important contributions for elevating our bilateral economic relationship to levels unknown so far. As the German Ambassador, I take great pride and pleasure in advancing the economic partnership between our countries and I wish to recognize the important contributions of both German and Bangladesh businesspeople to this objective. Germany is well known for its excellence in higher education, especially in the field of engineering and sciences. More and more Bangladesh students seize the opportunities of studying in Germany, their number increased by one third within a year. Likewise, the number of students learning German in school is steadfastly growing. I very much appreciate the excellent work done by the Goethe-Institute and DAAD in bringing our people together by building new bridges of cultural and scientific exchanges.

"Since Bangladesh's independence, our bilateral development cooperation constantly played a pivotal role in our relationship. GIZ and her partner organizations KfW and CIM became a trademark for applied expertise, having improved and improving the lives of many people in this country. They are an indispensable part of both the development of Bangladesh and our bilateral relationship."

The ambassador said, his country will be "honored to welcome" Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, where she will be received with military honours and will have talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

The ambassador also announced the Germany's Federal President Christian Wulff will pay a State Visit to Bangladesh at the end of November this year. It is the first visit of a German Head of State after 25 years, which expresses the "deep rooted feeling of friendship of Germany with Bangladesh. It is also recognition of our shared values and appreciation of the manifold efforts of Bangladesh in implementing the Millenium Development Goals."

The ambassador said, "Germany will continue to be a reliable partner for Bangladesh and I look forward to strengthen our ties during the forthcoming years. Let me extend my cordial greetings on the happy occasion of the "Day of German Unity" to the people of Bangladesh as well as to the German residents here."

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