The newly appointed non-resident Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to the Solomon Islands, Her Excellency Mrs. Barbara Plinkert, officially presented her credentials to the Governor, His Excellency Reverend David Tipa Kapu, at Government House yesterday.
In his welcome remarks, Governor General H.E. Rev. Kapu extended his best wishes for prosperity, success, and fulfillment during Ambassador Plinkert’s tenure.
Based in Suva, Fiji, Ambassador Plinkert brings extensive diplomatic experience that, as Governor General Kapu noted, will enhance the partnership between the Solomon Islands and the European Union.
Governor General Kapu expressed his confidence that Ambassador Plinkert’s expertise and commitment will further strengthen and expand both multilateral and bilateral ties, fostering partnerships that will benefit citizens of both the Solomon Islands and the EU.
"The Solomon Islands and the EU share a long history of cooperation and partnership rooted in mutual respect and understanding," he said.
He acknowledged and thanked the EU for its continued support in key sectors such as education, climate change, ocean governance, renewable energy, agriculture, forestry, and rural development.
“The EU’s financial and technical contributions have made a positive impact on the development of the Solomon Islands, and we are deeply grateful.”
Looking to the future, Governor General Kapu expressed anticipation for working with the EU under the new Samoa Agreement, a 20-year partnership framework that aims to advance common goals.
“The Solomon Islands shares the EU’s aspirations for peace and sustainable development. These are achievable when we work together through closer bilateral partnerships and multilateral frameworks such as the Samoa Agreement,” he said.
The Governor General also highlighted the importance of the EU-Pacific Interim Economic Partnership Agreement, which has bolstered trade and economic cooperation across the region. He expressed optimism for further enhancing trade and business opportunities between the EU and the Solomon Islands.
In addition, Governor General Kapu reiterated Solomon Islands' call for the EU to re-establish a permanent presence in Honiara.
"As the third-largest country in the Pacific region, we believe an EU office in Honiara would greatly benefit our ongoing cooperation," he added.
Governor General Kapu further commended the EU’s support to the Pacific region as a whole, noting its commitment to multilateralism.
"The EU’s active engagement on the global stage, especially in addressing climate change, is deeply appreciated. For us, climate change represents the greatest existential threat. We urge greater ambition under the Paris Agreement and stronger commitments from developed nations to mitigate the growing impacts on our communities."
In conclusion, he reaffirmed the Solomon Islands’ dedication to promoting peaceful coexistence among nations and upholding the core principles of the UN Charter. "As a nation committed to world peace, we champion dialogue, respect, and peaceful co-existence," Governor General Kapu stated.