This month’s economic forum organized by the German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in partnership with the German Embassy Manila and the German Club Manila, was filled with warmth and gratitude, as esteemed guests from the German-Philippine business community gathered to bid farewell to the outgoing German Ambassador, H.E. Anke Reiffenstuel.
The departure of German Ambassador H.E. Anke Reiffenstuel marked the end of an era characterized by her exceptional diplomatic contributions and unwavering commitment to strengthening the bilateral relations between Germany and the Philippines.
The event held on June 8, 2023, at the German Club Manila, was a testament to her remarkable tenure and the lasting impact she had on the diplomatic landscape.
The event began with the opening remarks from GPCCI Executive Director Mr. Christopher Zimmer, who welcomed the distinguished guests and shared the thrilling chapters that lie ahead for the remainder of this year. Ms. Katharina Bandelow, the deputy head of the economic section of the German Embassy, made a heartfelt introduction to welcome H.E. Anke Reiffenstuel.
With over four (4) years of service in the Philippines, Ambassador Reiffenstuel, in the wise words of Ms. Bandelow, is a woman of determination, strength, and dedication to her work in the Embassy.
Ambassador Reiffenstuel, known for her diplomatic prowess and keen understanding of international affairs, commenced her address by sharing a quote from the Philippine National Hero, Jose Rizal, - He who does not know how to look back where he came from will never get to his destination. She found this quote quite remarkably intriguing as she has observed over the last few years that most Filipinos seem not to look back at their history, especially during the recent national elections. As such, the event was a powerful hopeful reminder of Ambassador Reiffenstuel for the Filipinos to continue moving forward and to look back at the past.
A highlight of the night was her emphasis on the Philippines' growing relevance on the global stage and the significance of translating the potential into value by tapping into its relevant sectors. Recounting her experiences, she believes the Philippines needs proper investment in people, infrastructure, energy supply, and sustainable development for all industries. Moreover, her insightful analysis of the economic situation underlined the ongoing challenges and opportunities for cooperation between Germany and the Philippines. One of these was the dependence on remittances sent by their overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), which Germany should work on allowing more employment opportunities to the Filipinos. Secondly, she also emphasized the need for education reform in the Philippines and the call for more vocational training programs.
Ambassador Reiffenstuel spearheaded several noteworthy projects that enhanced the bilateral relations between Germany and the Philippines. Projects supporting the Philippine coast guards, providing informative lecture series, and supporting more deployment of OFWs to Germany paved the way for successful collaboration in trade, investment, development cooperation, and cultural exchange. The event also featured a vibrant Q&A session, where attendees engaged with Ambassador Reiffensteul directly.
Looking towards the future, she shared her upcoming role at the Headquarters in Berlin. She will continue her work at the Culture and Education department and will be responsible for promoting the academic, language, and scientific areas of German culture. Her new position will enable her to continue fostering cultural exchange and ties between Germany and other nations.
The former Philippine Ambassador to Germany, H.E. Melita Sta. Maria Thomeczek expressed her acknowledgment of Ambassador Reiffenstuel and her contributions to the country as she brought bilateral relations to a new positive level despite the pandemic.
As the evening ended, Mr. Michael Ducke, President of the German Club Manila, presented tokens of appreciation to Ambassador Reiffensteul in his closing remarks.
Together with the GPCCI, the German Club Manila gifted her with commemorative gifts and bouquets representing the strong bonds forged during her term as the Ambassador.
Her departure leaves a void that will be challenging to fill, and her legacy of diplomacy, collaboration, and mutual respect will continue to guide the future endeavors between Germany and the Philippines.
