German Consul General advocates peaceful resolution of conflict

KOHIMA — Consul General of Germany, Manfred Auster, advocated doing away with war in today’s era while resolving conflicts through peaceful means.

Similar to the messages delivered by others during the B20 summit in Kohima, he also stated that the B20 outreach to Northeast India had been positive while emphasising on “sustainability” as the key in all their endeavours and cooperation.

The Consul General said they had been reading and learning about the situations and the ongoing negotiations from Nagas, who are even seeking international support.

Auster apprised that for Germany, the rule of law has to prevail in solving conflicts, which is “the only way for coming to lasting solutions and the case everywhere domestically or with international relations”.

He apprised about the ongoing Russia’s war against Ukraine as an example of an international issue which needs to be resolved accordingly in respect of the international law through the United Nations Charter.

He was speaking during the B20 Conference at the State Banquet Hall on April 6 in Kohima.

While acknowledging India, the host country for organising the G20 business summit in Kohima, he appreciated the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and for the opportunity to come to the state capital.

Recalling the statement made by the chief minister of Nagaland in apprising the history and geographical stretch of the Nagas, Auster asked his G20 colleagues from abroad to visit the state during the much acclaimed Hornbill Festival, which is held from December 1 to the 10th annually.

However, Auster, who was visiting the state for the second time, apprised how the Hornbill Festival had to be cut short in 2021 owing to the killing of 14 civilians in a botched ambush by security forces at Oting in Mon district.

Meanwhile, he said the government of India inviting the G20 delegates to Nagaland was a “sign of the maturity of Indian democracy” despite various demands being made by the civil societies.

He appreciated the state for protecting its biodiversity, while apprising about the various issues globally such as the crisis in climate and ecological diversity.

He stressed on the need to work together to resolve the issues of climate change “which is not stopping anywhere”.

The diplomat said that there were some ‘indivisible elements’ upon the business opportunities in different sectors, which were introduced to them during the conference particularly on tourism.

“I am taking back the business opportunity here and we will try to come forward with propositions,” he said.

Matlub Ahmad, president of India-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry, highlighted the opportunity of exporting spices from Nagaland to Bangladesh, which is home to about 180 million people.

Terming the taste of  Naga coffee to be “excellent,” he informed that he has forwarded a  proposal for the possibility of coming out with a new franchise called “Naga Coffee” starting from Bangladesh, adding that he would be looking for Naga partners for the successful implementation of the proposal.

Alejandro Simancas, ambassador Cuba, Gudni Bragason, ambassador of Iceland, Jason Keats Mathew Hall, High Commissioner Jamaica, Yasiel Burillo, Ambassador and Consul General of Panama and Fleming Raul Duarte, Ambassador Paraguay shared about their cultural practices while stressing on the investment opportunities and support ecosystem in doing business with Nagaland.