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Germany's Ambassador Gottlemann Credential Ceremony

PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Information Service): April 6, 1998 - Ambassador-Designate of the Federal Republic of Germany Wolfgang Gottelmann, on April 03, presented his credentials to FSM Vice President Leo A. Falcam as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Federated States of Micronesia.

Gottelmann also presented President Herzog's letter of recall of the former Ambassador Dr. Karl-Freidrich Gansauar.

In his prepared statement for the occasion, Ambassador Gottelmann expressed his honor and privilege to be appointed to be his country's Ambassador.

Gottelmann stated, "Our two people and countries have maintained close and friendly ties since the late nineteen century, and I find it particularly fascinating to discover the traces in physical landscape as well as in your culture which still bear witness of those early days of German-Micronesian relations."

Gottelmann pledged that he will do his utmost to further facilitate such exchange to the mutual benefit of the people and governments of both FSM and Germany.

"Germany is committed to shoulder greater responsibility in the world and to contribute to global dialogue and political stability," he stated, adding, "I am pleased to note that Germany and the Federated States of Micronesia actually do cooperate successfully in this way at the United Nations, and we are looking forward to continuing this practice."

In response, Vice President, Leo Falcam, welcome Gottlemann to Pohnpei, and he said, "it gives me great pleasure and honor to receive your Letters of Credence as Germany's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Federated States of Micronesia."

Falcam told Gottelmann that the FSM value and take pride in its relation with Germany based on their historical ties. FSM and Germany have enjoyed close support and cooperation on areas of common interest, including disarmament, sustainable development, human rights and environment.

On bilateral level, Falcam said, the FSM is grateful for the past generous assistance in the area of radio broadcasting equipment and expressing his hopes that such assistance will continue to further the nation-building efforts in fishing, agriculture and human resources development.

Falcam recalled that contact between the two peoples dates back to late 19th century when Germany administered these islands. Today, he stated, the tangible imprints of German legacy can be found in the peoples and the landscape. In Pohnpei alone people of German descent and with German names as Kohlers, the Carls, Weilbachers and Vahlkomphhs, and in Chuuk, the Fritz, and Hartmans, etc.

Falcam concluded his remarks by suggesting to Gottlemann to visit the landmarks and meet some of those peoples. And to convey to Chancellor Kohl his sincere best wishes for his personal good health and the well-being and prosperity of the German people, upon his return.

Attending the ceremony were members of the President's Cabinet and FSM officials, Pohnpei Lt. Governor, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, and Mrs. Iris Falcam.

Ambassador Gottlemann is the Resident Ambassador of Germany who resides in Manila, Philippines.