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

''Kiribati is a key partner for the European Union in the Pacific in the context of its strategy for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. Our close friendship with Kiribati is based on the shared values of democracy, human rights and the rule of law. We thank Kiribati for its support for the United Nations General Assembly Resolutions on Ukraine, in defence of the principles of the United Nations Charter” Ambassador Seam said.

“The EU remains committed to contributing to the wellbeing of the Kiribati people, particularly on climate change, resilience, biodiversity, ocean, human rights and peace and security, in line with the priorities of Kiribati, reflected in the Kiribati Vision 2020'' , Ambassador Seam added.

''The EU has committed 15 EUR million (AUD 23 million) for the period 2021-2027 to support the country's ambition to alleviate poverty, adapt to the impacts of climate and promote inclusive and sustainable development. Kiribati is also benefitting from several EU regional programmes focusing on climate adaptation and on the promotion of gender equality and the prevention of violence against women and girls”, Ambassador Seam concluded.

Following the credential ceremony, Ambassador Seam met with the Vice-President and Minister for Finance and Economic Development, Hon. Teuea Toatu and Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources Development, Hon. Ribanataake Tiwau.

Ambassador Seam also met with the diplomatic corps and visited an EU-funded project supporting Kiribati on gender equality and violence against women and girls, before departing Tarawa.

Ambassador Seam represents the Presidents of the European Commission and the European Council, under the authority of the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. Ambassador Seam, prior to his posting as Head of the European Union Delegation for the Pacific was the Ambassador of France to Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Tonga and Tuvalu. 

Ambassador Seam is French career diplomat and is based in Suva, Fiji.

ENDS.

For further information, contact: Mohammed Nazeem KASIM, EU Press and Information Officer Suva, Fiji: Tel: +679 3313-633 Email: Mohammed-Nazeem.KASIM@eeas.europa.eu or delegation-fiji@eeas.europa.eu