Germany’s Ambassador to the Cook Islands Stefan Krawielicki will visit Rarotonga for the first time this week following yesterday’s border reopening.

According to Germany’s Honorary Consul to the Cook Islands Heinz Matysik, the Ambassador will arrive today for an “unofficial” visit, which he is combining with a personal holiday.

He will be accompanied by his wife Isabelle who is involved with the German Association for International Development (known as G.I.Z.) which has offices around the Pacific.

A private reception will be held to welcome the Ambassador and his wife, to be attended by all resident German citizens.

Matysik said that during his first week here, the Ambassador will be attending German passport renewals as well as a “few meetings” with his second week kept as a holiday. 

There are approximately 20 resident German citizens living in the Cook Islands.

According to Matysik, the Ambassador was originally scheduled to come for an official visit in September last year, but his trip was cancelled due to border closures and travel restrictions.

His visit in September 2021 would have marked the 20^th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Cook Islands and the Federal Republic of Germany.

The Cook Islands and Germany established diplomatic ties on 11 September 2001.

The move came after Germany recognised the Cook Islands as a self-governing country back in March 2001.

In a speech made last year, Ambassador Krawielicki said the Cook Islands and the Republic of Germany have enjoyed “close and friendly cooperation” for a long time.

He said he was particularly honoured to serve as Germany’s Ambassador to the Cook Islands.

“I feel particularly honoured to serve as Germany’s Ambassador to the Cook Islands. I will make every effort to further develop the excellent relations between our countries.

“Our friendship became official when diplomatic relations were established 20 years ago. I am grateful to be able to celebrate this special occasion,” he said.

Born in Luxembourg, the Ambassador is a lawyer by profession, graduating from one of eleven German Excellence Universities, the University of Tübingen.

He currently resides in Wellington with his wife and daughter, where he also serves as Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to New Zealand.