11th October 2016 Tonga has continued to build strong ties based on trust, mutual understanding and friendship with Germany and hope those ties continue to grow.
Germany’s assistance in environmental, economic, cultural and educational activities in Tonga has begun since 1876.
The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly made these remarks when he warmly welcomes the Speaker of German’s Bundestag, Professor Dr. Norbert Lammert and another MP, Johann Wadephul and parliamentary delegation from Berlin in Parliament yesterday.
Lord Tu’ivakano says the Tongan Parliament is delighted to host the visitors that had traveled long distances to Tonga to simultaneously mark two events.
That is to commemorate the 140 years of friendship between Tonga and Germany and the 40th anniversary of the diplomatic ties between the two nations. In 1976, Tonga renewed its treaty friendship with Berlin.
In addressing the Tongan Parliament, the Speaker of Germany Bundestag says the treaty between Tonga and Germany in 1876 was a treaty of cooperation instead of domination.
“We had the opportunity last night to commemorate those principles which have been agreed upon in that treaty. Friendship and cooperation, freedom and protection. Again principles which nowadays seem to be obvious but at that time were rather unusual and strange principle for international relations,” says the Hon. Speaker of Germany Parliament.
Professor Lammert says not only this historic treaty was established 140 years ago, but Tonga and Germany renewed its friendship treaty in 1976 shortly after Tonga became independent and has established its own Constitution.
He adds today is the day Tonga and Germany must honour their mutual history and pause to reflect and honour the achievement they have made this far.
The Germany politician also spoke of the similarities of the two countries. Tonga and Germany are both small in size with German in Europe and Tonga in the Pacific. Both countries had young democracy with Berlin just became a United Nation’s member state only five years ago.
He also spoke that since World War II, Germany has seven Chancellors and Tonga has seven Prime Ministers.
Meanwhile the Acting Health Minister, Hon. Tevita Lavemaau yesterday also signed the renewed contract with German’s new Ambassador to Tonga, His Excellency Mr. Gerhard Thiedemann for Germany’s donor of photovoltaic solar project at Prince Ngu Hospital in Vava’u.
The German delegation left Tonga for Berlin yesterday afternoon.
END
Issued by the: Legislative Assembly of Tonga,
Photo Credit: Legislative Assembly of Tonga