Ambassador Plinkert stressed the EU’s long-standing relation and friendship with Kiribati and its people, based on a legacy of common values and cooperation.

''The EU is and will remain a reliable ally of the Republic of Kiribati on climate change, resilience, biodiversity, environment protection, ocean governance, human rights and our shared values. The EU is honoured to work alongside with the Republic of Kiribati for the protection and conservation of our oceans, Kiribati being one of the most vulnerable countries in the world to climate change”, Ambassador Plinkert said at the ceremony.

The EU supports the socio-economic development of the Republic of Kiribati bilaterally with the ongoing Budget Support Programme as well as the development of Kirimati (Christmas) Island, including through a new multipurpose seaport and the support to the water and sanitation sector on Kiritimati Island. Kiribati is also benefitting from EU regional programmes focusing on climate adaptation, promotion of gender equality and prevention of violence against women and girls.

During her stay in Kiribati, Ambassador Plinkert called on the Vice President of the Republic of Kiribati and Minister for Finance and Economic Development, Honourable Dr Teuea Toatu; the Minister for Information, Communications and Transport, Honourable Alexander Teabo; the Deputy Secretary at the Ministry for Fisheries and Marine Resources Development, Teue Baikarawa; the Deputy Secretary at the Ministry of Education, Tematang Iaoniman, and the Deputy Secretary at the Ministry of Women, Youth, Sport and Social Affairs, Taburimai Tewāki. 

Ambassador Plinkert also met with the diplomatic corps and visited an EU-funded project supporting Kiribati in the areas of gender equality and elimination of violence against women and girls.