Dear Consul General,
Assistant Deputy Minister,
Member of the Executive Committee and City Councillor,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Thank you very much for the invitation to the Day of German Unity celebration.
The reunification of Germany 35 years ago was a turning point in our history and a milestone on the path to a united Europe.
In Germany, we celebrate this day every year on October 3 with a ceremony organized by the 16 federal states, which reflects the diversity of our country's regions, traditions, and historic characteristics. It has become a cherished tradition to also celebrate the Day of German Unity outside of Germany, at our embassies around the world.
For Hamburg, located just 80 kilometers from the former Iron Curtain, reunification opened up new and exciting possibilities. By regaining our hinterland, we could reestablish old connections in trade and shipping and create new business relations.
The metropolitan region of Hamburg grew to a population of over 5 million. This gave business, science, and culture in our region a strong boost. Our port has become a major trade hub between overseas countries and Central and Eastern Europe.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Hamburg is the largest port and second-largest city in Germany, which has the third-largest economy in the world. Hamburg is the German federal state with the highest GDP per capita, with a robust regional economy and a diverse range of industries, including a significant manufacturing sector with substantial import and export activity.
Together with the ports of Rotterdam and Antwerp, we service the supply needs of 500 million Europeans.
Throughout our long history as a Hanseatic city, we have learned that strong international connections and fair partnerships create a win-win situation for everyone. Geopolitical tensions, increasing protectionism, and the withdrawal of key partners from multilateral world trade pose significant challenges to Hamburg and its economy, as well as to Canada.
The world has become tougher, more complex, and more confusing. Therefore, it is even more important to cooperate with strong, reliable partners around the world who share our values.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
We see Canada as such a partner for Hamburg, Germany, and Europe. This was also evident by Prime Minister Carney's visit to Germany in August 2025.
At the same time, Hamburg and Québec are deepening their cooperation, which actively contributes to strengthening German-Canadian relations. In 2024, Québec and Hamburg agreed to a strategic partnership. This partnership will allow us to promote cooperation in business, research, innovation, and culture.
Our partnership is based on our many similarities and common interests:
- Hamburg and Québec are among the world's most important aviation hubs.
- The Port of Montreal and the Port of Hamburg are part of the chainPORT network, which comprises the world’s leading ports and promotes close cooperation. They collaborate on innovative concepts, such as the autonomous and AI-supported handling of container ships.
- Québec's creative industries enrich Hamburg's cultural scene with events such as film premieres at the Hamburg Film Festival, art exhibitions at the Deichtorhallen, and the Hamburg Games Conference.
During this trip, we want to set the course for further enhancing our partnership with Québec.
We look forward to working more closely with our Canadian partners also in key future industries, such as renewable energies and the hydrogen economy.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The history of German-Canadian relations is long and vibrant. Around three million Canadians have German ancestors.
The Old Town of Québec, which our delegation visited this morning, resembles European cities with its waterfront location and historic architecture. In the 19th century, the first direct shipping line between Europe and Canada was established — a connection that the Hamburg-based company Hapag-Lloyd continues still to maintains today.
Many immigrants used to arrive at the Vieux Port de Montréal after finishing their long journey from Hamburg, hoping for a better future. Today, we are shaping our future together: a future that is strong, sustainable, and
democratic.
Thank you to our partners in Québec for their commitment to our cooperation projects and best wishes for the future of the strategic partnership between Hamburg and Québec!
Ladies and gentlemen,
As an international city, Hamburg is proud to host a consular corps of around 100 foreign representations. In line with this extensive network of diplomats, Hamburg runs an Ambassador Program consisting of approximately 30 individuals who promote our interests in numerous countries across all continents.
Tonight, I would like to introduce you to Ms. Nicole Jauvin. I am pleased to announce her appointment as our first Hamburg Ambassador in Canada. Ms. Jauvin has over 30 years of experience in international business, with a focus on economic development. After living in Hamburg and Paris, she settled in Montreal.
Welcome to the program, Ms. Jauvin, and thank you for your commitment!
Ladies and gentlemen,
I am looking forward to the event tonight and wish everyone a wonderful celebration of German Unity Day.
Thank you to the German Consulate General, the Government of Québec, and the participating companies for their support in organizing this event and our trip to Québec and Montréal.
Merci beaucoup. Thank you very much.
