During the credential ceremony, Ambassador Plinkert stressed the long and cordial relations between the European Union and the Federated States of Micronesia, based on a legacy of common values, shared goals and cooperation.

EU's development cooperation with FSM focuses on sustainable development, particularly in areas of environmental protection, climate change adaptation, and disaster risk resilience. The EU initiatives aim to enhance FSM's capacity to manage its natural resources, especially in the fisheries sector, improve infrastructure, and promote renewable energy. These initiatives are in line with FSM's priorities for sustainable development and economic diversification as well as the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.

 “Today, the growing impacts of climate change in the Pacific and worldwide make the cooperation more necessary than ever. The EU strives to further strengthen its partnership with the Federated States of Micronesia and the Pacific, aligning its priorities with the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. The European Union is and will remain a reliable ally of the Federated States of Micronesia on climate change, resilience, biodiversity, environment protection, ocean governance, human rights and our shared values, ” Ambassador Plinkert told His Excellency Wesley W. Simina at the ceremony.

Ambassador further stated the new Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries, the “Samoa Agreement”, which entered provisionally into force in January 2024, and has been signed by all Pacific Island ACP Countries, takes into account the full depth of our relations. We look forward to jointly implementing the Agreement with the Federated States of Micronesia and the entire Pacific region.

She also expressed EU’s interest in enhancing trade and business links between the EU and the Federated States of Micronesia, notably through the EU-Pacific States Economic Partnership Agreement.

“The EU welcomes the Federated States of Micronesia’s interest to join the Agreement and we are committed to support the process. We look forward to making the most of the opportunities to develop trade and business relations that this Agreement will offer. The EU believes that trade can act as a positive force for a green and just transition, with climate change being the single greatest threat for the Federated States of Micronesia and the whole region.” said Ambassador Plinkert.

During her stay, Ambassador Plinkert called on The Honorable Rose A. Nakanaga, Secretary, Department of Finance and Administration; Mrs. Lucille Apis-Overhoff, Acting Secretary, Department of Environment, Climate Change and Emergency Management; Dr. Mayleen Jack Ekiek, Acting Secretary, Department of Health and Social Affairs; The Honorable Stevenson A. Joseph, Governor of Pohnpei; Mr. Florian J. Yatilman, Assistant Secretary, Division of Trade and Investment, Department of Resources & Development; as well as Mr. Matthew  Chigiyal, Deputy Director of the National Oceanic Resource Management Authority (NORMA).

Ambassador Plinkert also visited European Union funded projects supporting FSM in the areas environmental protection, climate change adaptation, and disaster risk resilience.

Ends.