#singapore | The Joint Committee meeting between the European Union in the Pacific and the Government of the Republic of Kiribati was held in Singapore from 4 to 5 March 2026. Both delegations was led by Mr Luis Molledo, Head of the Trade Negotiations and Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreements Unit within the Directorate General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries of the European Commission, and Mr Riibeta Abeta, Secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources (MFOR) for the Republic of Kiribati. The meeting focused on discussions surrounding matters of mutual interest and benefit under their ongoing fisheries partnership.

The fisheries partnership represents a significant area of cooperation for Kiribati. Under the protocol, the EU and its Member States fish in Kiribati’s waters and provide a stable annual fishing access fee, amounting to approximately AUD 3–5 million per year. In addition to financial contributions (revenue), the partnership also supports local employment by facilitating opportunities for I-Kiribati crew members aboard EU fishing vessels, support services in Kiritimati Island port, and many other ancillary benefits.

The meeting was productive and resulted in several key outcomes, including an improved mutual understanding of cooperation within the fisheries sector and an exchange of views on emerging policy initiatives among the two parties. A meeting record was signed, accompanied by a sectoral support program valued at €400,000.00, which will be implemented in 2026. The program aims to benefit both the Government of Kiribati and local communities through targeted small-scale fisheries projects.