DHAKA: German ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Thomas Prinz presented his credentials to President Abdul Hamid at a ceremony in Dhaka on Wednesday.

A press release issued by German Embassy said on Thursday.

The release said in his meeting with the President, ambassador Prinz emphasized the long-lasting ties between Bangladesh and Germany.

“Germany has been among the first countries to recognize Bangladesh’s independence after 1971. Since then, our two countries have had close political and economic relations. I am looking forward to further strengthen our mutual cooperation during my tenure in Bangladesh”, ambassador Prinz announced after the ceremony.

He also said Bangladesh “has tremendous potentials – the dynamic business community, the ambitious and creative youth and the entrepreneurial spirit of its people” and pledged to continue to assist the country in becoming a middle-income nation.

Prinz also talked about ensuring workers’ rights, fair wages and safe working environments for a sustainable business model.

Since 1972 Germany has contributed more than 2 billion euros to Bangladesh in the area of Development Cooperation. At the Government Negotiations in 2014 Germany pledged 211 million euros, the highest commitment ever since.

“The funds will be made available in the three priority areas, Renewable Energies and Energy Efficiency, Good Governance, Rule of Law, Human Rights and Adaptation to Climate Change in Urban Areas”, said the envoy said after his meeting with the President.

Prior to his posting to Bangladesh, Prinz headed a department in the economic section in headquarters of the federal foreign office in Berlin.

Previous postings took him to Australia, China, Japan, Indonesia and Afghanistan.

BDST: 1645 HRS, APR 09, 2015
SR/RR