We Germans remember with joy and gratitude the regaining of our national unity 23 years ago after decades of national division. We are, in particular, celebrating the courageous stand for freedom that hundreds of thousands of demonstrators took in East Germany in the autumn of 1989, at great personal risk, knocking down the Berlin Wall and, in a peaceful revolution, liberating themselves from an oppressive one-party dictatorship.

The national anthems of Nepal and Germany we just have been singing and listening to are both calling on us to strive for unity, justice and freedom in our countries. These are core values of Nepalis and Germans alike. They are the foundation of democracy, prosperity and happiness and they are the foundation for the further strengthening of our very good bilateral relations.

Democratic elections are the prerequisite for freedom, justice and unity. On 22 September, we had parliamentary elections in Germany and on 19 November, weeks from now, the people of Nepal will have their Constituent Assembly elections. We congratulate the Government of Nepal and the Election Commission on successfully preparing the national elections. A newly elected Constituent Assembly creating a democratic constitution without delay and local elections taking place as soon as possible will be decisive positive political signals for Germany, the whole European Union and for foreign investors, signals that Nepal is progressing on its way to a stable democratic and prosperous country. Germany will continue to support all efforts in Nepal strengthening democracy and human rights.

I am happy and honored to be living and working as German ambassador in Nepal. Together with our whole embassy team I will spare no efforts helping to maintain and strengthen the very good relations between our two countries. Tonight my wife and I are particularly grateful to the members of our brass band from Germany who are playing German and Nepal tunes for us. They belong to brass bands of the Protestant Churches in Germany. Thank you for so competently contributing to our enjoyment of the celebration of the Day of German Unity.