Germany in Bahrain 20 May 2022 www.bahrainthismonth.com Bahrain and Germany are celebrating the 50th anniversary of its long-standing diplomatic partnership, with bilateral relations beginning on May 17, 1972. As part of our special supplement, we spoke to the German Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain, HE Kai Boeckmann, about his diplomatic career and his plans to bolster ties between the two nations. Thank you for speaking to us Your Excellency. Could you give our readers a brief summary of your experience and background prior to coming to Bahrain? I came to Bahrain after serving with the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs for 24 years. This is a typical career path in the ministry, where you gain experience in several postings. In my case, it was foreign postings in Jericho, Buenos Aires, Rome and Cairo. Of course, I had several stints in the ministry in Germany and gained experience in consular and press work, while also serving as deputy chief of mission. While I was in headquarters, I was repeatedly involved in reform projects, which may sound technical, but were a good preparation for the administrative tasks needed to lead a mission. How do you compare life in Bahrain to your previous postings? I was very curious to come to the Gulf after having served in other Arabic posts in Jericho and Cairo. I must say that I find life in Bahrain very, very special. The first thing that strikes you is that I don›t commute for hours like in mega cities, but I can reach all interlocutors, friends and partners mostly within minutes! This is something which characterises the life in Bahrain. Our contacts with the Bahraini government are very close and direct, as they are with parliament and the business community. Furthermore, the German community is very tightly knit and very supportive as we see when there are charity events. I had the privilege to host almost the entire German community and their families during DIPLOMATIC JUBILATION
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