PALIKIR, Pohnpei — October 3, 2025 — The Honorable Aren B. Palik, Vice President of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), today held a productive meeting with Her Excellency Barbara Plinkert, the Ambassador of the European Union to FSM, at the Office of the President. The discussions underscored the strong and growing partnership between FSM and the European Union (EU) and highlighted key areas of ongoing and future cooperation.
On the bilateral front, the discussions were centered on the opening of the FSM Permanent Representative Mission in Geneva, upcoming presentation of credential for Ambassador-Designate Akillino Susaia to the EU, future EU presence in the FSM, and the upcoming 4th EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum.
During the meeting, Vice President Palik and Ambassador Plinkert emphasized the growing relationship between FSM and the EU, established in 2000, and expressed enthusiasm about increasing collaboration in various sectors. A notable focus was placed on fisheries, particularly FSM’s strategic interest in expanding access to the European market for its high-quality tuna exports. Vice President Palik shared recent developments, including ongoing efforts to meet the Competent Authority requirements, critical for enabling FSM fishery products to enter and compete in the EU market.
The discussions also covered the advancement of FSM’s application for Economic Partnership Agreement accession with the EU, which would provide FSM duty and quota-free access to the EU market. Ambassador Plinkert noted the EU’s commitment to supporting FSM, including the facilitation of technical assistance to strengthen FSM’s tuna value chain and fisheries management, ensuring that tuna revenues remain within the Pacific region.
Climate change was a central topic, acknowledged by both as the foremost security and existential challenge to FSM and other Pacific Island states. They reaffirmed their shared commitment to multilateral climate action under the Paris Agreement framework, recognizing the urgency of global cooperation to mitigate impacts and finance adaptive measures.
The meeting also covered broader areas of cooperation, including support for FSM’s water and energy sectors, women’s empowerment, and regional security concerns. Vice President Palik highlighted FSM’s desire for enhanced EU presence in the North Pacific, reinforcing the strategic importance of Pohnpei as a hub for regional organizations and UN agencies.
Ambassador Plinkert conveyed the EU’s strong support for FSM’s development priorities and expressed her intention to maintain regular annual visits to deepen bilateral ties and ensure ongoing dialogue on mutual interests including supporting women issues. The Vice President extended an invitation to Ambassador Plinkert to attend the next 11th FSM Women’s Conference.
This high-level engagement reaffirms the continued partnership between FSM and the European Union, fostering sustainable development, economic growth, and regional stability.
###
