Following the appointment of Mr. Helmut Morent as Samoa’s Honorary Consul to Berlin and Brandenburg, the official opening of the consulate took place on 29 July 2016 in Berlin.
In welcoming guests to the event, Mr. Morent also thanked the Government and people of Samoa for the honour to be appointed Samoa’s first Honorary Consul to Berlin and Brandenburg. He pledged to do all he can to deliver on the mandate entrusted to him.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Luteru firstly acknowledged and thanked the German Government for its support and role in facilitating the speedy appointment of Mr. Morent. He also noted that the establishment of the consulate was an historical and memorable event, in the beautiful city of Berlin, a capital city known for its culture, politics and science.
Samoa-German relations goes way back to 1855 when German business and trade interests first arrive in Samoa. From 1900 to 1914, Germany officially administered Samoa and the legacy from that “German times” remains to the present day including official documents which are still being used and referred to in adjudicating cases in the Lands and Titles Courts. Germany was largely responsible for laying the foundation for most of the infrastructural developments at the time. Most of the large commercial plantations were established and managed by German traders and they continue to produce and contribute to Samoa’s development.
The Ambassador concluded by noting that Government’s decision to open an honorary consulate in Berlin is part of Samoa’s conscious efforts to maintain and enhance its bilateral relations with Germany. Samoa has confidence in the Mr. Morent’s proven ability and experience to successfully develop a mutually beneficial partnership between Germany and Samoa not only in the commercial arena but also in sports, science and education.
Invited guests included members of the diplomatic community and business associates of Mr. Morent.