New European Union Ambassador to Tuvalu Presents Credentials

The Ambassador’s efforts will be focused on strengthening the bilateral and regional cooperation and partnerships at all levels in line with the common goals and guiding framework enshrined in the Cotonou Partnership Agreement.  

Ambassador Wilson said: ''The EU has been and will remain a reliable partner of Tuvalu. ''The EU has committed 6.8 EUR million for the period 2014-2020 to support the country's ambition to reduce poverty, adapt to the impacts of climate and promote inclusive and sustainable development. Tuvalu is also benefitting from the EU's Regional Indicative Programme administered by the Pacific Islands Forum,''

''Alongside the European Union, Tuvalu played an important role in ensuring that the 2015 Paris Agreement on Climate Change is ambitious and robust and we will work closely with Tuvalu and other vulnerable nations at COP23 in Bonn, Germany and beyond to ensure that the Paris Agreement is implemented by all parties. The EU will continue working together with Tuvalu to address the Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing issues."

''We value the strong foundations of our partnership and remain committed to contributing to the wellbeing of the Tuvaluan people.'' added Ambassador Wilson on this first official visit to the island nation threatened by climate change.

Ambassador Wilson, prior to his posting as Head of the EU Delegation for the Pacific was the Acting Deputy Managing Director, Asia and the Pacific at the European External Action Services (EEAS). He has previously served as the EU Ambassador to Indonesia, Brunei, ASEAN, Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

Ambassador Wilson is a dual English and French citizen and will be based in Suva, Fiji.

Following the credential ceremony, Ambassador Wilson met with the Prime Minister and Minister of Minister of Public Utilities and Infrastructure, Hon Enele Sosene Sopoaga, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Hon. Maatia Taofa, Speaker of the Parliament of Tuvalu, Hon. Otinielu Tausi and other senior government officials.

ENDS.

For further information, contact;  Mohammed Nazeem KASIM, EU Press Officer Suva, Fiji

Tel: +679 3313-633 Email: Mohammed-Nazeem.KASIM@eeas.europa.eu or delegation-fiji@eeas.europa.eu

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