During the credential ceremony, Ambassador Plinkert acknowledged the government and the people of Vanuatu for the warm hospitality and emphasised the long history of cooperation and partnership between the European Union and the Republic of Vanuatu.

Since 2018, the European Union has invested 30 Million Euros in support of the rural economy by reinforcing the value chain of agricultural products. The support to the rural development will continue with the financing of additional 18.8 Million Euros, to promote climate-resilient food systems including production, value addition, safety and quality, and trade. The EU has also empowered the Civil Society organizations of Vanuatu with grants up to 6 Million Euros, and it is now working closely with UNICEF to start a project of rehabilitation of schools.

“The recently signed Samoa Agreement between the European Union and the OACPS (Organisation of African Caribbean and Pacific States) contains a specific Protocol for comprehensive Pacific-EU relations, defining priority areas of the European Union’s cooperation, aligned with the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. I look forward to continuing working with you to further strengthen the EU-Vanuatu relations,” added Ambassador Plinkert.

“Vanuatu is an integral part of the EU’s partnership with the ACP and the Pacific and we look forward to jointly implementing our shared aspirations as laid down in the Agreement,” said Ambassador Plinkert.

Ambassador Plinkert praised the efforts of Vanuatu to join the Economic Partnership Agreement – EU’s trade and development agreements negotiated between the EU and African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries.

“We very much welcome the steps taken by the Republic of Vanuatu to join the agreement, along five other Pacific Island Countries. We look forward to the opportunities to develop trade and business relations between the European Union and the Republic of Vanuatu through this Agreement. ” concluded Ambassador Plinkert.

During her stay, Ambassador Plinkert called on the Acting Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and External Trade, Hon. Tomker Netvunei; the Minister for Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry, Fisheries and Biosecurity and Acting Minister of Finance and Economic Management, Hon. Xavier Harry Iauko; the Minister for Tourism, Trade, Commcerce, & Ni-Vanuatu Business, Hon. Samsaon Samsen as well as the Special Envoy for Climate Change and Environment, Hon. Ralph Regenvanu.

Ambassador Plinkert also visited a European Union funded project supporting Vanuatu in the areas of climate resilient agriculture and food security.

ENDS.