Grand Reception To Mark German Unity 2005
By James Kon

Bandar Seri Begawan - The Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Brunei Darussalam marked the day of German Unity 2005 with a grand reception at the Empire Hotel and Country Club Monday.

Gracing the event as guest of honour was Minister of Finance II Pehin Kaya Laila Setia Dato Paduka Haji Awang Abdul Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim.

The national anthems of both countries were played, marking the start of the evening celebration.

In his welcoming speech, Federal Republic of Germany Ambassador Mr Conrad Cappell highlighted the excellent and harmonious bilateral relations between Germany and Brunei Darussalam, adding that there is still room for closer cooperation.

He also extended much appreciation to the monarch, members of the royal family, and personnel from both the government and private sectors for their warm welcome, hospitality and support rendered ever since his arrival to the Sultanate over a year ago.

"The day of German Unity reminds us how people in the former communist East Germany fought the dictatorship using peaceful means to win their freedom," the ambassador said.

Highlighting several problems that remain in East Germany following the unification, Mr Cappel said the most pressing problem is that millions are unemployed in the East and also across Germany.

However, the ambassador expressed confidence that Germany as a whole would ultimately be successful in managing its task and thus emerge stronger with the positive signs already showing in the German economy.

The ambassador disclosed that British magazine Economist in an August 18 edition stated that Germany had a new competitive edge over other European countries like Italy, France, the Netherlands and Britain, while the World Bank in its recent `Doing Business 2006' report ranked Germany in the 19th position out of 155 countries, in regard to conditions for doing business.

Capping off his speech, Mr Cappell said Germany wishes to present itself as a tourist destination, cultural nation and economic location with the motto of `Land of Ideas.'

On top of the grand feast and a piano performance by Expression Music School, the invited guests also got the chance to view dozens of German manufactured products and a displayed replica of the Brandenburg Gate. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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