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The Future of Diplomatic Ties

Enforcing the Culture for the Next Generation

June 14th, 2018
Berlin Global, News from Berlin
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For two weeks, the auditors of the Diplomatic and Consular Institute were greeted by their German counterparts in a joint training seminar.

As a highlight of their training, the diplomats of the 2018 promotion of the Diplomatic and Consular Institute (IDC) of the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs went to Berlin to meet their German counterparts from the Diplomatic Academy. This seminar takes place each year alternately in Paris and Berlin. It allows new diplomats from both countries to build links, to get to know each other’s respective administrations and maintain the diplomatic ties between France and Germany.
As an extension of the 55th anniversary of the Elysée Treaty, the exchanges focused on the place of the Franco-German couple in Europe and their answers to the multiple challenges the two countries are facing: the reform of the European Union, energy and climate change, EU neighborhood policies, migration, crisis management, and digital issues.

Ms. Anne-Marie Descôtes, Ambassador of France to Germany, opened the seminar with a speech dedicated to the importance of the Franco-German relationship for the future of Europe, before attendants viewed a simulation of a press meeting at the Embassy.

The German diplomats introduced their French colleagues to the institutional environment of the Federal Republic, through the visit of the Auswärtiges Amt, the Federal Chancellery, the Bundestag and the seat of the Presidency. The two  had the privilege of meeting Mr. Heiko Maas, the Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs, as well as Mr. Michael Roth, Deputy Minister for European Affairs, with whom they had a dynamic and in-depth exchange on the theme of European reappropriation by the citizens.

During a session in the Bundestag with Mrs. Ursula Groden-Kranich, member of the Franco-German friendship group and the Franco-German working group on the Elysée Treaty, participants were able to hear about the growing importance of the role of national parliaments in sustaining their bilateral relationship. The session at the German Presidency gave a better insight into the place of the institution in the federal political system.

The exchanges between French and German diplomats continued during a friendly football match marked by a spirit of friendliness. Although the score was close at half-time, the Mannschaft won during the last few minutes of the game.

The two will meet again on the 7th and 8th of June in Brussels. They will meet their Polish counterparts in Weimar for working sessions in their respective Permanent Representations and in the Council. Next year, the IDC's 2019 promotion will host the 74th promotion of German diplomats in Paris for a joint exchange and dialogue seminar.

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News from Berlin