Australia and Germany

Details

Australia not only is a popular travel destination for Germans, it also has an important place in the global world of politics and economics, not least with the development of the G20 process. Australia’s and Germany’s collaboration are based on a partnership of values, following on from the first exchange of ambassadors 60 years ago, and Australia has a major geo-strategic role for the whole of the Asia-Pacific. In fiscal policy, Australia serves a model beyond the region, and its strength in resources is contributing to steady economic growth and prosperity.

Against this background, the long-standing partnership between Australia and Germany is about to gain a new dimension. This discussion hosted by the Australian Embassy and the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung is focusing on common interests in the Asia-Pacific region – economic interests, but also common security and development policy interests, shared on a reciprocal basis. This includes the commitment to develop projects which will assist people in target countries, projects which will contribute to strengthening democracy and the rule of law, and to the development of civil structures in areas like education and infrastructure.

Australia and Germany are thus broadening their relationship against the very backdrop of the 60th anniversary of the bilateral agreement to exchange ambassadors.

Program

17:15 Arrival

17:30 Greetings

• Dr. Gerhard Wahlers, Deputy Secretary General, Konrad Adenauer Stiftung
• H.E. Ambassador Peter Tesch, Australian Embassy, Berlin

17:55 Panel Discussion

• Mr. Peter Doyle, Assistant Secretary, Europe Division, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Government of Australia
• H.E. Ambassador Stephan Auer, Commissioner for Globalisation, Energy and Climate Policy, Foreign Office, Berlin
• Ms. Sibylle Pfeiffer, MP, Head of the Working Group on Economic and Development Policy in the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, Berlin
• Mr. Volkmar Klein, MP, Member, Parliamentary Friendship Group for Relations with Australia and New Zealand of the Parliament of the Federal Republic of Germany
• Mr. Reg Howard-Smith, Chief Executive, Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia
• H.E. Ambassador Peter Tesch, Australian Embassy, Berlin

19:15 Book Launch

Bettina Biedermann / Heribert Dieter (Hrsg.), Länderbericht Australien, Bonn, April 2012

• Thomas Krüger, President, Federal Agency for Civic Education (BpB), Bonn
• Dr. Heribert Dieter, Senior Associate, German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP), Author and Co-editor

19:45Reception with Australian food and wine

To participate in this event please register here.