Fiji and Germany Strengthen Partnership as PS Mara Welcomes New German Ambassador

Fiji and Germany are working collaboratively to deepen their longstanding partnership, with a shared interest to advancing sustainable development, climate financing, peace and security, and stronger collaboration on grass-root projects for the benefit of both nations and the wider Pacific region.

This commitment was highlighted during a courtesy call by the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Fiji, Her Excellency Ms Nicole Menzenbach, to the Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Ambassador Solo Mara.

Welcoming and congratulating Ambassador Menzenbach on her appointment, Ambassador Mara reflected on the significance of 53 years of diplomatic relations between Fiji and Germany, built on mutual respect, shared values and close cooperation on regional and global priorities.

He acknowledged Germany’s growing diplomatic presence in the Pacific, particularly the historic opening of its first Embassy in Suva by Prime Minister Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka in 2023, followed by the visit of then German Foreign Minister, Ms Annalena Baerbock, in May 2024 – these milestones have strengthened diplomatic engagement and created new opportunities for cooperation between the two countries.

He further emphasised the importance Fiji places on its relations with Germany and the European Union (EU), noting that the reopening of Fiji’s Embassy in Brussels will strengthen Fiji’s diplomatic presence in Europe, expand trade and investment prospects, and enhance economic and development partnerships.

Ambassador Mara expressed Fiji’s appreciation for Germany’s longstanding development assistance and strong international advocacy on issues of critical importance to Fiji and the wider Pacific, particularly climate change, environmental protection, and grassroot community projects..

He also recognised the valuable work of the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) in supporting Fijian communities through climate action, environmental sustainability, capacity-building and resilience initiatives. He highlighted the importance of continued cooperation that delivers meaningful and lasting benefits to communities.

Ambassador Mara assured Ambassador Menzenbach of the Ministry’s full support during her tenure and expressed Fiji’s commitment to further strengthening cooperation with Germany in advancing shared priorities, particularly on climate action ahead of the upcoming COP31, as well as in education and sustainable development.

In response, Ambassador Menzenbach congratulated Ambassador Mara on his appointment and conveyed Germany’s readiness to strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly in , economic development, climate resilience and financing.

The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both sides expressing their shared determination to build on 53 years of friendship and translate their partnership into tangible outcomes that support Fiji’s development and that of the wider Pacific region.