New EU Ambassador to the Pacific presents her credentials in Niue

During the credential ceremony, Ambassador Plinkert acknowledged the government and the people of Niue for the warm welcome and said the EU will remain a strong ally of Niue on climate change, resilience, biodiversity, environment protection, ocean governance, human rights, and our shared values.

"The European Union recognises the increased importance of the Pacific region for the rules-based international order. The EU approach has a long-term perspective, with the aim of contributing to the stability, security, prosperity and sustainable development of this vast region. I look forward to continuing working with you to strengthen our partnership during my tenure, further enhancing the EU's relations with Niue," said Ambassador Plinkert.

Ambassador Plinkert reminded of the recently signed Samoa Agreementbetween the European Union and the OACPS (Organisation of African Caribbean and Pacific States), which contains a specific Protocol for comprehensive Pacific-EU relations, defining priority areas of the European Union's cooperation, aligned with the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.

"Niue is an integral part of the EU's partnership with the ACP and the Pacific and we look forward to jointly implementing our shared aspirations as laid down in the Agreement," added Ambassador Plinkert.

Ambassador Plinkert added further that the European Union is interested in exploring ways to enhance trade and business opportunities with the Pacific Islands Countries, notably through the EU-Pacific Interim Economic Partnership Agreement, which Niue is in the process of joining.

During her stay, Ambassador Plinkert met with the Minister for Natural Resources, Hon. Mona Ainu'u, the Minister of Social Services, Hon. Sonya Talagi, the Assistant Minister of Finance and Infrastructure, Ricky Makanias well as the Secretary to Government, Peleni Talagi and other senior officials of the government.

Ambassador Plinkert also attended the launch event of the Trade Policy Review of Niue, which was supported through the EU-PIFS SPIRIT Project. During a site visit to the National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) Robin Hekau, Director of the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) acknowledged the EU's support for disaster resilience, especially through the Building Safety and Resilience in the Pacific I and II (BSRP) projects.

Haden Talagi, Director of Environment outlined Niue's environmental priorities, particularly in relation to climate change and biodiversity conservation, identifying the Kiwa Initiative project on advancing nature-based solutions (NbS) as a welcome initiative benefiting youth and vulnerable groups in Niue.

ENDS.