(eTN) – Germany Chancellor Angela Merkel is set to visit three African countries during a trip aimed at solidifying economic and political ties between Germany and the African continent, with good hopes to boost the continent’s travel and tourism through economic relations with Germany.
Reports from Berlin said the Germany Chancellor will start her African trip on Monday this week to visit Kenya, Nigeria, and Angola. Before making her trip to Africa, Merkel met the chairman of the Commission of the African Union Dr. Jean Ping in Berlin to review pertinent issues facing the African continent.
Sources in Berlin said Dr. Ping had paid an official visit to Berlin on July 5, 2011, at the invitation of the Germany Chancellor, Angela Merkel. This visit took place on the eve of the Chancellor’s trip to three African countries.
Chancellor Merkel and Chairperson Ping had extensive discussions on issues of mutual interest, including Libya, Sudan, and other situations on the continent, as well as bilateral cooperation between the AU and Germany.
Reports from the Chancellor’s office said Dr. Ping stressed the encouraging
developments in Cote D’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) and Sudan and the need for adequate international support to assist these two countries and consolidate the gains they made.
On her part, Chancellor Merkel emphasized the importance Germany attaches to the AU and its key role in promoting peace, security, and development in Africa. She pledged continued support to the AU’s efforts aimed at achieving these goals, reports said.
Africa enjoys good relations with Germany, which has continued to fund big sums of money in various developmental projects across the continent.
Germany has been a good partner with Africa in areas of travel and tourism through business exchange programs, visits, and tourism marketing campaigns. East Africa is part of key destinations for German tourists loving to visit wildlife parks in Kenya and Tanzania, with additional Mount Kilimanjaro climbing.
The annual ITB travel fair at the Berlin’s Messedamm ground has been a key
meeting point for East African travel trade partners on a stepping ahead to promote tourism in the German market, which is the world’s most rapidly growing one, and where travel industry’s stakeholders and associated service providers can share experiences.
East Africa’s annual participation at the ITB Berlin aims to promote the region as a tourist destination, plan programs that would boost the travel industry within member states and raise awareness on Africa’s rich and diverse tourism opportunities and products.
