EU Ambassador to the Pacific Her Excellency Ms. Barbara Plinkert and her First Counsellor Ms Anna Marie Madeleine make a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources on Tuesday 13th March. During their visit they met with the Officer in Charge Ms Teue Baikarawa, and two officials, Kobure Norman and Tabuki Teoraata. They discussed how EU can continue to support fisheries strategic actions and priorities through mutual partnership and cooperation. The meeting also discussed and update HE on the EU recent supports where Kiribati through MFOR is receiving EUR 400K annually. The construction of the Coastal Fisheries Maneaba and installation of fish vending units are two major activities supported under this project. Other areas highlighted in the discussion includes the Launching of the Pacific EU Marine Partnership in August 2025, the Economic Partnership Agreement and the EU information sharing system called IORIS (Indo-Pacific Regional Information Sharing Platform).

The OIC, Ms. Teue, appreciated the presence of Ambassador Barbara and expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to meet with her in the absence of the Honourable Minister and Secretary. The OIC thanked EU for their continuous supports and for being one of their long fishing partners which has significant contributions to the economic development of Kiribati.