DHAKA: German Ambassador to Dhaka Dr Albrecht Conze, who is going to leave Bangladesh on June 1, was given farewell by the Bangladesh German Chamber of Commerce and Industries (BGCCI) on Monday.
A press release made the disclosure about the outgoing ambassador Dr Albrecht on Monday.
Remembering his tenure in Bangladesh, Conze said, “Since August 2012, I have discovered and came to appreciate a nation always on the move. I have learned to admire extraordinary energy of officials of Bangladesh German Chamber. I have met wonderful people, I have learned a lot, and I am leaving with happy memories.”
Explaining the circumstances behind his sudden departure, Dr Conze said, “Following a proposal by the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton, the Political and Security Committee (PSC) of the European Council has appointed me as the Head of EUCAP Sahel Mali, the newly established European civilian mission for the stabilization of the Republic of Mali. I am expected to move to Bamako within weeks, and therefore have to leave Bangladesh on June 1.”
However, he has been asked by the German Government to take up a new position at very short notice.
Conze further added that the new assignment will allow him to contribute to the EU efforts to enhance political stability in the Sahel zone, a critical region for Africa’s security.
Ambassador Conze hoped that BGCCI will continue working to bridge the trade gap between Bangladesh and Germany and will help Bangladesh to increase its imports from Germany in the future.
The President of BGCCI Shakhawat Abu Khair and Executive Director of BGCCI Daniel Seidl were present at the farewell lunch among many others.
BDST: 1619 HRS, MAY 26, 2014