The Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to the Pacific, Her Excellency Barbara Plinkert presented her credentials to the President of the Republic of Palau, His Excellency Surangel S. Whipps, Jr., in Koror on 17 March.
During the credentials´ ceremony, Ambassador Plinkert stressed the long and friendly history of co-operation and partnership between the European Union and Palau, based on a legacy of common values and shared goals.
> _“The European Union acknowledges the increased importance of the Pacific region for the global rules-based order._ _The EU, as a partner of the 2050 Strategy for a Blue Pacific Continent, is and will remain a reliable ally of the Republic of Palau on climate change, resilience, biodiversity, environment protection, ocean governance, human rights and our shared values. ”_ Ambassador Plinkert said at the ceremony.
Ambassador Plinkert highlighted Palau’s important role in negotiating, ratifying and implementing the BBNJ Agreement, which is an international agreement on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction.
> _“The Ocean is of vital importance to the livelihood for the Pacific people. Palau is a champion of ocean governance not only in the region but at a global scale, and the EU is honoured to work alongside Palau for the protection and conservation of our oceans. Palau has led the way on ratifying the BBNJ Treaty and has thereby become a source of inspiration for other countries to be better stewards of marine areas beyond national jurisdiction”,_ stated Ambassador Plinkert_._
> She also expressed EU’s interest in exploring how to enhance trade and business links between the EU and Palau, commenting that “_trade can act as a positive force for a green and just transition, with climate change being the single greatest threat for Palau and the whole region”._
The visit was also an opportunity to review EU cooperation with Palau under several regional programmes, thematic and intra-ACP funded programmes that fall under the following priority sectors: Climate Action and Environmental Sustainability, Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Development, and Fundamental Values and Human Development.
During her stay, Ambassador Plinkert paid courtesy calls on the President, His Excellency Surangel S. Whipps, Jr., Vice President and Minister of Health and Human Services, Honorable Raynold B. Oilouch, Speaker of the House of Delegates, Honorable Gibson Kanai, Senate Vice President, Honorable Stevenson J. Kuartei, Minister of State, Honorable Gustav N. Aitaro and Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and the Environment, Honorable Steven Victor.