Dinner Hosted by the Australian Ambassador to Germany

Thank you, Ambassador.

Distinguished guests, good evening.

Graeme and I are very honoured by the presence of you all this evening as we come together – on our first Vice-Regal visit abroad – to celebrate and reflect on the strength and breadth of the German link with Australia, and with Queensland in particular.

This year, our countries celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations during which Queensland and Germany have developed deep and enduring trade and cultural ties.

Those ties will only continue to strengthen, with the signing of the ‘Enhanced Strategic Partnership Agreement’ between our governments last year, elevating to a new level the original strategic partnership agreed in 2013.   

As Governor of Queensland, I have been delighted to observe the fruits of our cooperation across several fronts, but perhaps most notably through the finalisation of the historic HySupply Agreement and the Australia-Germany Hydrogen Accord.

This green hydrogen initiative is just one example of what can be achieved when we work together with a shared vision to effect positive change—despite being located in different hemispheres!

I am also pleased that our nations remain committed to working together to support economic recovery following COVID-19, just as they have collaborated closely from the outset of the pandemic.

On this note, it would be remiss of me if I did not thank the Australian Ambassador to Germany for his efforts on the ground supporting Queenslanders through the pandemic. On behalf of a grateful State, thank you.

Tonight, we come together in the spirit of giving further strength and substance to our bilateral friendship and we light a path to new opportunities.

These are exciting times, and Queensland looks forward to working side-by-side with our German friends to continue to tackle global challenges with our shared values of peace and prosperity at the core of our strong relationship.

Thank you.