Ambassadors of ASEAN countries in Germany, including Philippine Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega (2nd row, 2nd from right) with German Federal Defence Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer (photo by BAC Working Group)

Ambassadors of the ten member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) held a Luncheon-Meeting with German Federal Minister of Defence Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer in Berlin.

The Berlin ASEAN Committee (BAC) discussed a range of issues on defence and security cooperation between Germany and the ASEAN region and member countries with Minister Kramp-Karrenbauer. Minister Kramp-Karrenbauer re-affirmed Germany’s desire to have more active engagement with the Indo-Pacific region and in particular with ASEAN in recognition of the organization’s commitment to promoting peace, stability, inclusivity, and mutual prosperity in the region.

Philippine Ambassdor to Germany Theresa Dizon-De Vega was among the participants in the meeting and welcomed more active relations between Germany, ASEAN as well as on a bilateral level with the Philippines. END

The ASEAN Ambassadors had an engaging exchange of views with Minister Kramp-Karrenbauer

Amb. Dizon-De Vega (1st row 4th from left) joins other ASEAN Ambassadors and representatives

The Philippine Embassy in Berlin represented by Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega and Political Officer Alvin Malasig joined the commemoration of the 53^rd ASEAN Foundation Day at the Embassy of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic in Berlin on 10 August 2020.

The program included a solemn ASEAN Flag Raising Ceremony with representatives of all ten Embassies of the ASEAN member states present.

This was followed by special messages from Lao PDR Ambassador Phomma Boutthavong, current Chair of the Berlin ASEAN Committee (BAC) and Ambassador Nguyen Minh Vu of Vietnam which is the 2020 ASEAN Chair.

Both Ambassadors called on greater ASEAN solidarity as the region faces unprecedented challenges brought about by the pandemic which has affected all aspects of life in ASEAN and around the world. END

Amb. Nguyen Minh Vu of Vietnam and Amb. Phomma Boutthavong of Lao PDR (all photos by Berlin PE)

Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega and Lord Mayor of Essen Thomas Kufen (photo by Berlin PE)

Philippine Ambassador to Germany, Theresa Dizon-De Vega called on the Lord Mayor of the City of Essen, Honorable Thomas Kufen at the Rathaus (City Hall) of the Essen on 9 March 2020.

Mayor Kufen, one of the youngest local executives in Germany, has occupied the office of Mayor since 2015 and belongs to the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Party. Prior to serving as Lord Mayor of Essen, Mr. Kufen was the Commissioner for Integration in the State of North Rhine Westphalia.

During the call, Ambassador Dizon-De Vega and Mayor Kufen discussed ways to accelerate Philippine-Germany engagement in Essen, home to nearly 600,000 people and the ninth largest city in Germany. There are an estimated over 1,000 Filipino nationals residing the city which prides itself on being the Energy Capital of Germany.

Among the possible initiatives discussed with Mayor Kufen is the possible holding of a Philippine Day in Essen to further promote understanding and inclusiveness, matters very close to the heart of the Mayor. Ambassador Dizon-De Vega likewise cited the reputation of Essen for both the renewable energy sector, education, and the arts, three other areas where cooperation between the Philippines and Germany could be further promoted. She also extended an invitation to the Mayor to grace Filipino Cultural and Religious events in the city with his presence.

Ambassador Dizon-De Vega likewise thanked the Lord Mayor for the local government’s support in the smooth opening of a Philippine Honorary Consulate in Essen with Mr. Joachim Rumstadt as the new Honorary Consul. Ms. Mila Wandelt of the Philippine Honorary Consulate accompanied the Ambassador during the courtesy call.

Mayor Kufen cited the Filipinos in Essen and in Germany as a whole as being a model migrant community. END