Minister Presidents of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Saxony emphasize importance of World Heritage applications

Schwerin (dpa) - The Minister Presidents of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Saxony, Manuela Schwesig (SPD) and Michael Kretschmer (CDU), have emphasized the importance of the successful World Heritage applications of both states. The inclusion of the Moravian Church in Herrnhut and the Schwerin Residence Ensemble in the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List testifies to a great civic commitment to the preservation of buildings and traditions and an unswerving belief in success. "This is an award for what has already happened. Now it is up to us to preserve and develop it further," said Schwesig.

At the start of the meeting with her Saxon counterpart, both had visited Schwerin Castle, the centerpiece of the residential ensemble. Kretschmer also emphasized the achievements of the initiators of the World Heritage applications. "That's how it has to be. Not par ordre du mufti from above. But a history that is lived and wanted by the people of a region or a city," said the CDU politician. More than 1200 World Heritage Sites represent the memory of mankind. "And Schwerin and Herrnhut are among them. Isn't that amazing?" said Kretschmer to the applause of the active members of the Schwerin World Heritage application invited to the morning reception in the castle garden.

Schwesig received a Herrnhut star as a symbolic gift, which is considered the origin of all poinsettias. Kretschmer became the honorary patron of a star in the vault of Schwerin's castle church.

After the ceremony, Schwesig and Kretschmer traveled on to Rostock, where they signed agreements on closer cooperation in tourism and the establishment of a joint research institute. According to surveys, Saxony is the most important source market for the tourism industry in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Almost one in seven vacation guests at the Baltic Sea come from the Free State.