Prime Minister advocates for stronger ties with Germany during visit to Hamburg

German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya attend annual gathering of German Asia-Pacific Association as Guests of Honour.

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For the 102nd time, more than 300 representatives from business, politics and diplomacy gathered on Friday in the ballroom of Hamburg City Hall, Hamburg, Germany's second largest city and a major European port city.

Other notable attendees included Bhutan's Education Minister Yeezang De Thapa, more than 15 Ambassadors to Germany from the Asia-Pacific region, and seven German diplomats. The main sponsor of the 102nd East Asia friendship dinner was HSBC Germany.

The OVA was founded in Hamburg in 1900 and is committed to expanding Germany's economic relations with the rapidly growing economies of the AsiaPacific region. The largest association in Germany for the promotion of GermanAsian business relationships, the OAV celebrates its 125th anniversary in 2025 As part of this major networking event of the German-Asian business community, a series of specialised events covering various countries and current economic policy issues across the Asia-Pacific region were held in the lead-up to the banquet at Hamburg City Hall. The 'GermanAsian Forum on Vocational Education and Training 2025' also took place, attracting around 100 participants.

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