A ceremony on the 13th November at Roko’s will see the farewell of the Honorary Consul of Germany to Samoa Tagaloa Christa Szegedi. The position of the new Honorary Consul of Germany to Samoa will be taken over by Afoa Stefan Szegedi who will be sworn in at this ceremony. Afoa Stefan Szegedi is the son of Tagaloa Christa Szegedi and had previously also supported Tagaloa as project Manager in Samoa.
Deputy Head of Mission at the German Embassy in Wellington Winnie Switakowski stated on the Farewell of Tagaloa Christa Szegedi and the new appointment of Afoa Stefan Szegedi “Today is a very special day for the diplomatic relations between Germany and Samoa, as we will farewell Tagaloa Christa Szegedi as German consul and appoint Afoa Stefan Szegedi as her successor. On behalf of the German government, I would like to express my deepest gratitude for Tagaloa’s outstanding service for the last five years. She has been instrumental in bringing German and Samoan people closer together. We are thankful to continue her excellent work with her son Afoa Stefan Szegedi in the future”.
Outgoing German Consul to Samoa Tagaloa Christa Szegedi stated “I became the German Consul to Samoa in 2019, I really enjoyed it and worked hard to enhance the Diplomatic Relations between Germany and Samoa. I also got to meet many different people and have some very interesting conversations. I always enjoyed talking with Government officials in Samoa to find out the goals and priorities the government has for Samoa and how Germany can help”. Tagaloa also stated “For me the most rewarding part of being the Consul was being able to support the education sector and different NGOs in Samoa with the tremendous support of the German Embassy in Wellington. Just in five years we were able to undertake 34 different partnership projects”.
To her successor Afoa Stefan Szegedi, Tagaloa added “I want to wish my successor and son Afoa Stefan all the best as he will now start his own journey as Honorary Consul of Germany to Samoa. I know Stefan has a strong passion and commitment for both Germany and Samoa. Having supported me for the last 5 years I know he is more than ready for the challenge and will continue to enhance the important relationship and friendship between Germany and Samoa”.
The New German Consul Afoa Stefan Szegedi stated “It is a great honour to be appointed the new Honorary Consul of Germany to Samoa. As I have seen over the last five years having worked for and supported Tagaloa Christa Szegedi the position of Consul is important and has its challenges. I plan to overcome +any challenges with the guidance of God and through the support of my family and friends”.
Afoa Stefan Szegedi also thanked his predecessor Tagaloa Christa Szegedi “I would like to take this opportunity to thank my now predecessor and Mother Tagaloa Christa Szegedi for all her work as Consul. It has been an honour and a privilege to have worked and supported you over the last five years.
As to the plans of the new German Consul to Samoa Afoa stated “My vision as the New German Consul to Samoa is to continue to strengthen the existing relations and friendship between Germany and Samoa. I also plan to seek ways of how our two countries can continue to work together and share ideas in areas of mutual interest. Lastly I will continue to find areas where Germany can support Samoa especially in projects that are beneficial for the development and future of Samoa”.
A swearing in ceremony for the new Honorary Consul of Germany to Samoa will be held at Roko’s Restaurant.
Date: 13th November 2024 (Wednesday)
Time: 6.30pm
Venue: Roko’s Restaurant
For more information please contact Afoa Stefan Szegedi 7512730.
Speech by Deputy PM – Remarks for the transfer of functions of the new Honorary Consul of Germany
