German ambassador to UK visits Guernsey for first time in over a decade
- German Ambassador to the UK, Her Excellency Susanne Baumann, visited Guernsey this week in the first such visit for more than 10 years
- The ambassador laid a wreath at the German Military Cemetery at Fort George and met with senior government officials
- Discussions covered Guernsey's interests relating to the EU-UK Reset, as well as trade, energy and financial services
- The visit follows the signing of the Biberach-Guernsey Framework of Friendship arrangement and coincides with Liberation Day celebrations
- Ambassador Baumann also met with representatives from the Guernsey Music Service and students from the Guernsey Youth Orchestra
The German Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Her Excellency Susanne Baumann, has visited Guernsey this week in the first such visit by a German ambassador to the Bailiwick for more than 10 years.
The visit marks Ambassador Baumann's first trip to the island since her appointment to the post in 2025. It follows ongoing engagement with the German town of Biberach and coincided with celebrations to mark Liberation Day.
During her time in Guernsey, Ambassador Baumann laid a wreath at the German Military Cemetery at Fort George and toured St Peter Port. She held meetings with His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor, the Bailiff, Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez, President of the Policy & Resources Committee, and Deputy Steve Falla, Lead Member for External Relations, as well as other senior members of Guernsey's government.
The visit provided an opportunity to discuss Guernsey's interests relating to the EU-UK Reset and to address other matters of mutual interest including trade, energy and financial services.
Ambassador Baumann also met with representatives from the Guernsey Music Service and students from the Guernsey Youth Orchestra. The Guernsey Music Service has previously arranged several trips for young musicians from Guernsey to visit and perform in Biberach.
Deputy de Sausmarez said: "It was a privilege to welcome Her Excellency Susanne Baumann to Guernsey for her first visit as Ambassador.
"Our island of course shares a painful past with Germany, but having signed the Biberach-Guernsey Framework of Friendship arrangement here last Liberation Day, counter-signed in Biberach last month, we can formally acknowledge that past whilst looking to a hopeful future built on respect, cultural understanding and co-operation.
"As we celebrate Liberation Day, I'm glad that we have had the chance to discuss with the Ambassador the wider relationship between Guernsey and Germany, reflecting that our economy is strongly interlinked with Europe and that we have shared democratic values."
Her Excellency Susanne Baumann, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the United Kingdom, said: "I am pleased to have had the chance to visit Guernsey this week and to see the island as it prepared for the 81st anniversary of Liberation Day.
"It is important to me to learn from our history and to work on reconciliation. It is very encouraging to see the close connection between the island and Biberach, which is significant as it increases people to people contacts. I look forward to working together to defend our democracies and our shared values."
Q&A
Q: When was the last time a German Ambassador visited Guernsey?
A: The last visit by a German Ambassador to the Bailiwick of Guernsey was more than 10 years ago, making this week's visit the first in over a decade.
Q: What is the Biberach-Guernsey Framework of Friendship arrangement?
A: The Biberach-Guernsey Framework of Friendship arrangement was signed in Guernsey last Liberation Day and counter-signed in Biberach last month. It formally acknowledges the painful past between Guernsey and Germany whilst looking to a hopeful future built on respect, cultural understanding and co-operation.
Q: What topics were discussed during the ambassador's meetings with Guernsey officials?
A: The ambassador discussed Guernsey's interests relating to the EU-UK Reset and other matters of mutual interest including trade, energy and financial services with senior members of Guernsey's government.
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