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| Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Maxine McClean, in discussion with Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Barbados, Stefan Schluter, during the courtesy call at the Ministry. (A. Miller/BGIS) |
German Ambassador to Barbados, Stefan Schluter, has acknowledged the role that Honorary Consuls play in the countries they represent.
"Honorary Consuls are co-ambassadors. They are very important because it is difficult for an Ambassador who serves multiple countries to go to each territory on a regular basis," he told Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Maxine McClean, during a courtesy call yesterday.
Minister McClean, in agreement, said it was fortunate that Barbados and Germany had selected exemplary candidates who "represented the nations well and used the opportunity to publicise and promote both countries".????
The Honorary Consul to Barbados is Andreas Kusay, while Regine Sixt is the diplomatic representative in Germany.
During the courtesy call, such issues as Germany’s candidacy for the United Nations Human Rights Council 2013 and climate change were also discussed.??
Stressing that climate change was an important issue for his country, the envoy outlined that Germany had taken several steps towards eradicating nuclear energy and implementing renewable energy.?? "We believe that we play a central role in addressing the challenge," he stated.
The Foreign Affairs Minister acknowledged Germany’s contribution in the fight against climate change. "What you are doing at home in your country sets you apart," she said, "It certainly demonstrates that Germany is a path breaker in its steps to eliminating nuclear energy and its use of alternative energy."