In her accompanying note to Governor-General Falani, Ambassador Plinkert stressed the fundamental importance of the EU's relationship with Tuvalu.

''I accept with great pleasure and honour this new posting to your beautiful country. ''The EU has a long-standing relation and friendship with Tuvalu and its people, based on a legacy of common values and, cooperation. The EU and Tuvalu are strong allies in the fight against climate change and we will continue working together on climate action, and we will enhance cooperation within multilateral fora, as well as on a range of other issues such as agriculture and, regional cooperation and development. I look forward to working with Tuvalu over the next three years to deepen our relationship further.''

Ambassador Plinkert said the recently signed Samoa Agreement between the EU and the OACPS (Organisation of African Caribbean and Pacific Countries) contains a specific Protocol for comprehensive Pacific-EU relations defining priority areas of the EU’s cooperation. This will make our engagement more meaningful and strategic, so that we can respond better to the needs of Tuvalu and the Pacific partners and develop a common agenda based on shared priorities.

During her first official visit to the atoll island nation, which is threatened by climate change, Ambassador Plinkert met the new Prime Minister of Tuvalu, Hon Feleti Teo and discussed Tuvalu-EU cooperation in waste management and agriculture, as well as strengthening economic ties. She commanded Tuvalu’s intention to accede to the interim Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).

European Union

Ambassador Plinkert also visited the EU funded projects on the ground, including the Funafuti Transfer and Recycling Station and the project on Improving Food Security in Tuvalu through demonstrating Sustainable Agroforestry Systems.

European Union

Ambassador Plinkert participated in the handover ceremony of the X-ray machine, which was provided to the Tuvalu Government by the EU funded “Safe Agricultural trade Facilitation through Economic integration in the Pacific Project” (SAFE Pacific). The X-ray machine will be used to inspect the luggage of the airport terminal arrival passengers and will strengthen the biosecurity efforts of the country.

 (ENDS)