Prime Minister Manele receives Solomon Islands Honorary Consul to Germany
Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele this morning warmly welcomed the Solomon Islands Honorary Consul to Germany, Claudia Curtis Seutter von Lötzen, at the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet in Honiara.
Dr. von Lötzen, who has served as Honorary Consul since 2022 and lived in Honiara with her family between 2011 and 2015.
She was accompanied by Prof. Dr. Johannes Kneifel, a distinguished diplomat and academic with decades of experience in international relations, particularly in tourism and aviation.
The delegation also included business representatives Ryan Koh, a specialist in secure identity solutions, and Roneil Krishna, a leading packaging and machinery solutions provider.
During the meeting, Dr. von Lötzen briefed the Prime Minister on a proposed pilot program to enable Solomon Islands students to undertake training and employment in Germany’s tourism and hospitality sector.
She highlighted that basic German language skills would be essential for students to fully benefit from the program.
Prime Minister Manele expressed strong support for the initiative, stating:
“Solomon Islands has great potential in tourism, and it is now time for us to turn that potential into reality.”
Discussions also highlighted two other key areas of potential cooperation. Cultural heritage relating to Solomon Islands artefacts held in Germany, and renewable energy.
Prime Minister Manele welcomed the projects, noting the importance of education and skills development in tourism, the value of reconnecting with the country’s cultural heritage, and the priority of renewable energy for sustainable development in Solomon Islands.
Drawing from his extensive experience as Mauritius’ honorary consul, Prof. Dr. Johannes Kneifel, shared insights on how strategic government investment, particularly in aviation, can drive tourism and economic growth.
He highlighted the long-term approach required for national development, reflecting:
“Development cannot be done in one day.”
Prof. Kneifel shared Mauritius’ success story, illustrating how the country has thrived through careful development of its tourism, sugarcane, and textile industries.
Prime Minister, Hon. Jeremiah Manele and Prof. Johannes Kneifel, as well as business representatives Mr. Ryan Koh and Mr. Roneil Krishna
He encouraged Solomon Islands to adopt a long-term vision, emphasizing that sustainable growth requires patience, planning, and strategic partnerships.
Prime Minister Manele thanked Professor Kneifel for sharing his experience and optimism about the country’s potential.
The business delegation members also shared their interests and described their visit as an opportunity to observe, learn, and explore potential investment and collaboration in Solomon Islands.
During her visit, Dr. von Lötzen will meet with key government ministries, universities including University of the South Pacific and Solomon Islands National University, and cultural institutions such as the Solomon Islands National Museum, as part of the proposed cultural heritage project.
She will also present a donation of 200 distance and reading glasses to the Regional Eye Centre, which Prime Minister Manele acknowledged with appreciation.
Prime Minister Manele expressed gratitude to Dr. von Lötzen for her ongoing work on behalf of Solomon Islands in Germany, noting her contributions have strengthened bilateral relations, promoted people-to-people ties, and opened avenues for trade, investment, and sustainable development.
The meeting reaffirmed the cordial relations between Solomon Islands and Germany and highlighted opportunities to further strengthen cooperation in education, tourism, renewable energy, and cultural heritage.
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Prime Minister’s Press Secretariat