During her official mission, the Ambassador met with the President of the Marshall Islands, H.E. Dr. Hilda C. Heine; the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Hon. Kalani R. Kaneko; the Minister of Finance, Banking and Postal Services, Hon. David Paul; the Acting Minister of Transportation, Communications and Information Technology, Phil Philippo and the Minister of Natural Resources and Commerce, Hon. Tony Muller. These strategic engagements underscored the EU’s enduring partnership with the Marshall Islands across governance, infrastructure, and economic development as well as ongoing cooperation in the multilateral context.

A key highlight of the visit was the formal handover of a state-of-the-art Tuna Loader, funded by the European Union and the German Government through the Fish for Sustainable Value Chains in Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific (FISH4ACP) programme. This vital equipment is set to enhance the value chain of the Marshall Islands’ lucrative tuna industry, supporting local economic growth and regional trade.

The Ambassador also handed over an advanced X-ray machine for use at the Amata Kabua International Airport in Majuro, another EU-funded contribution aimed at strengthening border security, biosecurity measures across the Pacific, and passenger safety.

In addition to these milestones, the Ambassador visited the EU-supported projects, met with  development partners and members of the media, reinforcing the EU’s collaborative approach and transparency in its Pacific engagement.

“This visit reflects the European Union’s deep respect for the Marshallese people and our shared vision for a resilient, prosperous Pacific,” said Ambassador Plinkert. “From fisheries to infrastructure, our support is grounded in partnership, sustainability, and mutual benefit.”

The EU remains a steadfast ally to the Marshall Islands, working hand-in-hand to deliver tangible outcomes that uplift communities and foster long-term resilience.

(ENDS)