Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele meets Solomon Islands Honorary Consul to Germany Claudia von Lötzen to discuss tourism training, renewable energy and cultural cooperation.
Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has welcomed the Solomon Islands Honorary Consul to Germany, Dr Claudia Curtis Seutter von Lötzen, during a meeting at the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet in Honiara on Friday.
Dr von Lötzen, who has served as Solomon Islands’ Honorary Consul to Germany since 2022, previously lived in Honiara with her family between 2011 and 2015.
She was accompanied by Prof. Dr Johannes Kneifel, a diplomat and academic with extensive experience in international relations, particularly in tourism and aviation. Also part of the delegation were business representatives Ryan Koh, a specialist in secure identity solutions, and Roneil Krishna, a provider of packaging and machinery solutions.
During the meeting, Dr von Lötzen briefed the Prime Minister on a proposed pilot programme that would enable Solomon Islands students to undertake training and employment opportunities in Germany’s tourism and hospitality sector. She noted that basic German language skills would be important for students to fully benefit from the initiative.
Prime Minister Manele welcomed the proposal and expressed strong support for initiatives aimed at developing the country’s tourism sector.
“Solomon Islands has great potential in tourism, and it is now time for us to turn that potential into reality,” he said.
Discussions also explored other areas of potential cooperation, including cultural heritage and renewable energy. These include initiatives related to Solomon Islands artefacts currently held in Germany and opportunities for collaboration in sustainable energy development.
Prime Minister Manele acknowledged the importance of education and skills development in tourism, the value of reconnecting with the country’s cultural heritage, and the need to prioritise renewable energy for sustainable development.
Drawing from his experience as Mauritius’ honorary consul, Professor Kneifel shared insights on how strategic government investment—particularly in aviation—can help drive tourism growth and economic development.
“Development cannot be done in one day,” Professor Kneifel said.
The Prime Minister thanked Professor Kneifel for sharing his insights and optimism regarding Solomon Islands’ development potential.
Members of the business delegation also shared their interest in exploring potential opportunities for investment and collaboration in Solomon Islands.
During her visit, Dr von Lötzen is expected to meet with key government ministries, universities including the University of the South Pacific and Solomon Islands National University, as well as cultural institutions such as the Solomon Islands National Museum as part of discussions on the cultural heritage initiative.
She will also donate 200 distance and reading glasses to the Regional Eye Centre, a gesture acknowledged with appreciation by the Prime Minister.
Prime Minister Manele expressed gratitude to Dr von Lötzen for her continued work in representing Solomon Islands in Germany, noting that her efforts have helped strengthen bilateral relations, promote people-to-people connections, and open opportunities for trade, investment and sustainable development.
The meeting reaffirmed the cordial relationship between Solomon Islands and Germany and highlighted opportunities to further strengthen cooperation in education, tourism, renewable energy and cultural heritage.
– Prime Minister’s Press Secretariat
