The Federal Republic of Germany and Fiji have maintained diplomatic ties over the years and both countries share a commitment to addressing climate change.

The two countries have worked together on initiatives such as the UN Climate Change Conference COP23 in 2017. Germany also provides advisory services to Fiji and other Pacific Island countries through the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH.

In a bilateral meeting this afternoon with the Minister for Agriculture and Waterways, Honourable Vatimi Rayalu, Ambassador Dr Andreas Prothmann, of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Fiji, reiterated that both countries share common interests in combatting the climate crisis.

“We are both committed to a high level of ambition in international climate negotiations. In 2017, the UN Climate Change Conference COP23 was jointly organised by Fiji and Germany, taking place in Bonn under the Presidency of Fiji.”

“Bilateral trade relations are modest. Imports to Germany were worth 2.114 million euro in 2023, while German exports totalled 24.79 million euro.”

Hon. Rayalu praised H.E Prothmann for the relations so far and hopes that the two countries will be able to advance further with regard to agricultural development.

“Fiji has acknowledged the groundbreaking court decision in Germany, which could set the stage for the legalization of kava in Europe and other international markets as this will mean the export of kava.”

They both agreed to continue with dialogues in the coming months.

ENDS