Gov. John deJongh Jr. met with Consul General Hon. Klaus Ranner of the Federal Republic of Germany at Government House Monday. The historic meeting marks the first time in over 30 years a representative of the German Consulate has visited the territory.
Ranner is based in Miami, Fla., with German diplomatic jurisdiction for Florida, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
“As a leader in both European and global affairs, Germany enjoys a harmonious relationship with the United States and is recognized for its scientific and technological systems worldwide," deJongh said in a release from Government House. "I applaud Consul General Ranner’s initiative in personally visiting the territory in order to learn more about our people, our culture and our economy.”
Monday’s discussion touched on: tourism as a driving force in a nation’s economy; cultural foods and celebrations; German businesses operating in the U.S. mainland and territories; international technology systems; the opening of Cuba; the German economy; and the possibility of establishing an Honorary German Consulate in the U.S. Virgin Islands, among other topics, according to Government House.
Ranner, a self-described “career diplomat,” has held posts in the Foreign Service in Poland, India, Iran, and the United States. He departs the territory on Sunday.