Strong and long-lasting partnership between the EU and Samoa: Ambassador’s visit confirms alignment on shared priorities

25/2/26 – Apia, Samoa Ambassador of the European Union to the Pacific, H.E. Mrs Barbara Plinkert concluded her visit to Samoa this week. This was her fourth visit to Samoa since she took office in September 2023, and her first visit since the new Government of Samoa was inaugurated last year. The visit highlighted the EU’s strong partnership with Samoa and the Pacific built on shared values and principles, mutual commitment to effective multilateralism and resilient sustainable development.

During the visit between 23-25 February, Ambassador Plinkert paid courtesy calls to the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Samoa, the Hon. La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt, and key Ministers with whom the EU has enjoys an active sectoral cooperation, notably the Minister of Finance and Minister for Public Enterprises, the Hon. Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molioo, the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, the Hon. Ale Vena Ale, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, the Hon. Fuimaono Maiava Tito Asafo, and the Minister of Women, Community and Social Development, the Hon. Moefaauouo Julius Ah Kui Tafunai.

Government of Samoa 2026

Forward-looking discussions on key areas, such as the implementation of the Samoa Agreement, creating predictable conditions for trade and development, water and climate policies, ocean governance, sustainable and resilient agriculture, social inclusion, gender-based violence, education, and more. Potential areas for further cooperation in the future were also discussed.

“The European Union remains committed to working together with Samoa on sustainable development goals anchored in shared priorities, inclusivity, and long-term resilience. We look forward to building future engagement on this strong and long-lasting partnership under the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy and beyond,” said Ambassador Plinkert.

While in Samoa, Ambassador Plinkert officiated at the Lauch of Samoa’s National Drought Policy funded by the EU under the Water, Hygiene and Sanitation (WASH) project with the government of Samoa, and the Launch of Samoa’s Digital Media Hub co-funded by the EU under the Sustainable Transformation of Domestic Agrifood Systems in Fiji, Samoa and the Solomon Islands (STODAS) project, alongside key partners on this project.

The European Union remains a trusted, reliable, and predictable partner for Samoa and the Pacific.

 

EU Delegation to the Pacific 2026

EU Delegation to the Pacific 2026

(ENDS)

For further information, contact 

E-mail: DELEGATION-FIJI-MEDIA@EEAS.EUROPA.EU

Tel: +679 3313-633