The Europe and Pacific Island relationship continue to remain strong, says ambassador to the Pacific Barbara Plinkert.
Speaking at the Europe Day celebration in Suva recently, Ms Plinkert said the two region’s relationship would continue to grow stronger because of their shared values.
“Clearly between the European Union and the Pacific, we have shared values and principles such as promoting peace and security and respecting fundamental rights and freedoms,” ambassador Plinkert said.
She said the transformative potential of such a partnership would increase trade and private sector development to propel both regions towards sustainable economic growth.
Looking towards the future, ambassador Plinkert outlined the European Union’s commitment to deploying its global gateway initiative in the Pacific.
This ambitious endeavour seeks to address the region’s pressing infrastructure needs while fostering greater connectivity and economic resilience.
“This initiate creates new opportunities for partnerships with the European Union by contributing to filling the gap of the investment needs for quality infrastructure,” Ms Plinkert said.
“In the Pacific, the global gateway will focus on investments that support the green transition.
“Let’s raise a toast to another year of cooperation between Fiji and the European Union.”
The celebration on May 9 ended with guests enticing themselves to European delicacies and the musical talents of the Vude Queen, Laisa Vulakoro, and her team who performed numbers from the Swedish band ABBA.
