President Michael D Higgins has welcomed Ireland’s new consulate general in Frankfurt, and rising German visitors to Ireland, as indicators of a new era in bilateral relations. It is customary that, on the evening of the second day of a State Visit, the visiting Head of State hosts some form of return hospitality, either in the shape of a State Banquet or a cultural event.

The concert organized by Ireland to return the favour of Germany’s hospitality was curated by musician Philip King and personnel from Other Voices that broadcasts live music alternating from Irish to international artists. The concert took place in Kreuzberg, a renowned cultural hub of Germany that also is home to the Karneval der Kulturen (Carnival of Cultures). At the gathering, the President also paid tribute to Irish Ambassador to Germany, Michael Collins, who is retiring from the diplomatic service after more than 46 years.

To conclude the three-day state visit, President Higgins welcomed a new era in bilateral relations between the two nations in reference to the new consulate general, to open later this year in Frankfurt that is to be perceived as an indicator of the “tangible reality” of Ireland’s commitment to Germany.

• - https://president.ie/en/diary/details/president-and-sabina-host-other-voices-concert-in-honour-of-president-steinmeier-and-mrs-buedenbender/photos
• - https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/president-welcomes-new-era-of-german-irish-relations-1.3948038