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Tag: Joachim Gauck

German President meets Pope for talks

German President, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, held his first meeting with Pope Francis on Monday since taking over the largely ceremonial post, with migration and refugees on the agenda.

Steinmeier, who assumed office in February, held a private audience with the pontiff in the Vatican.

The talks were also expected to focus on international tensions as well as the outcome of September’s German election, which resulted in new right-wing populist party, the Alternative for Germany, entering the national parliament in Berlin for the first time.

A Protestant and former Foreign Minister, Steinmeier has repeatedly sought to promote ecumenism and inter-religious dialogue.

His visit to Rome coincides with the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, which forged a new the relationship between the Protestant and the Catholic churches.

Steinmeier’s predecessor, Joachim Gauck, met with the former Pope, Benedict, in 2012.

NAN

October 9, 2017
Germany to support Nigeria on terrorism, anti- corruption

The German government has indicated its willingness to support Nigeria’s efforts in counter terrorism and anti- corruption.

The commitment was made on Thursday by the German President, Joachim Gauck, when he led some investors on a visit to the leadership of the National Assembly.

“We believe that terror would not be defeated with military might alone. The Nigerian government needs to further foster good governance and ensure the prospect of a better future for all its citizens,” Gauck said.

The German President was also quoted to have said that Nigeria currently has over two million internally displaced persons in various camps in the Northeast party of the country.

He stressed the need for support and reintegration of the IDPs, adding that the problem could be effectively tackled through the rebuilding of infrastructure like schools and healthcare facilities in the affected areas.

A statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Senate President, Mr. Sani Onogu, added that provision of such infrastructure would go a long way in giving hope to the displaced persons.

The Senate President, Bukola Saraki had earlier pleaded with the German leader and the European Union to assist Nigeria in counter terrorism and resettlement of the army of IDPs.

“Our country is presently experiencing the challenges of global terrorism. Notwithstanding the significant victories we have recorded, Boko Haram has continued to pose colossal national and regional security challenge.

“We have a lot to learn from Germany and to gain from stronger Nigeria-Germany relation in this regard. So we call on the German government and the EU to lend us their unflinching support and solidarity in order for us to fully eliminate terrorism from the sub region.

“I believe that every effort in this area is a paramount investment as the regional stability, security and development is tied to achieving global peace. We urge you to particularly help us return our Internally Displaced Persons back to their homes and fully reintegrate them into the society,” Saraki stated.

February 11, 2016
Ambode receives German President, Gauck

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (right), presenting a State plaque to the President, Federal Republic of Germany, Mr. Joachim Gauck (left), during a courtesy visit to the Governor, at the Lagos House, Ikeja

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (right), receiving a gift from the President, Federal Republic of Germany, Mr. Joachim Gauck (left), during a courtesy visit to the Governor, at the Lagos House, Ikeja

Wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode (right), presenting a gift to the Wife of the President, Federal Republic of Germany, Mrs. Gerhild Gauck (left), during a courtesy visit to the Governor by the President of Germany, at the Lagos House

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (2nd left); his wife, Bolanle (right), jointly presenting a gift to the President, Federal Republic of Germany, Mr. Joachim Gauck (left) and his wife, Gerhild (2nd right), during a courtesy visit to the Governor by the German President, at the Lagos House, Ikeja.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (right), with the President, Federal Republic of Germany, Mr. Joachim Gauck (left), during a courtesy visit.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (2nd right); his wife, Bolanle (right); President, Federal Republic of Germany, Mr. Joachim Gauck (2nd left) and his wife, Gerhild (left), during a courtesy visit to the Governor by the German President, at the Lagos House, Ikeja.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (3rd right); his wife, Bolanle (2nd right); President, Federal Republic of Germany, Mr. Joachim Gauck (3rd left); his wife, Gerhild (left); Deputy Governor, Dr. (Mrs.) Oluranti Adebule (2nd left) and Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa (right), during a courtesy visit to the Governor by the German President.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (5th left); his wife, Bolanle (middle); President, Federal Republic of Germany, Mr. Joachim Gauck (4th left); his wife, Gerhild (2nd left); Deputy Governor, Dr. (Mrs.) Oluranti Adebule (3rd left); Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama (left); Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa (5th right); member of German Parliament, Mr. Charles Huber (4th right); Special Adviser to the Governor, Office of Overseas Affairs & Investment, Prof. Ademola Abass (right) and other members of the German President entourage, during a courtesy visit to the Governor, at the Lagos House.

President, Federal Republic of Germany, Mr. Joachim Gauck (left); his wife, Gerhild (2nd left), being presented with flowers, during a courtesy visit to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, at the Lagos House, Ikeja.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (right), welcoming the President, Federal Republic of Germany, Mr. Joachim Gauck (left), during a courtesy visit to the Governor, at the Lagos House, Ikeja.

February 9, 2016
German president warns of limits to number of refugees

Germany’s president has warned that there are limits to how many refugees his country can absorb as it prepares for as many as 800,000 arrivals this year, showing growing concern even at the highest level over how to look after so many newcomers.

“We want to help. We have a big heart. However, there is a limit to what we can do,” Reuters quoted President Joachim Gauck, a former rights activist in communist East Germany, as saying in a speech on Sunday evening.

“Our ability to take in people is limited, although we don’t know yet where those limits are,” he added.

The comments from the head of state, who has a largely ceremonial role but whose words carry moral authority, appeared to be striking a more cautious tone than Chancellor Angela Merkel who has said Germany can cope with the record influx.

The government declined to respond directly to Gauck’s comments, reflecting political convention, but defended its handling of the situation.

“The German government and the chancellor are convinced that protection has to be given to those who need it, whether they are persecuted for political reasons or fleeing war,” said government spokesman Steffen Seibert.

The debate came amid signs of growing tension among asylum seekers, part of a wave of mass migration into the European Union from the Middle East and parts of Africa.

At least 14people were injured on Sunday when a brawl broke out between two rival groups in a refugee centre in the western German town of Calden, police said. The refugees were being housed in tents set up on a disused airfield.

September 28, 2015