BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The European Union has highlighted that climate change remains the critical issue in its relationship with Solomon Islands.
Newly appointed Ambassador of EU to the Pacific, Barbara Plinkert, in an interview with local media, remarked on the significance of climate change, stating that her observations during her time in Honiara and its surroundings confirmed its urgency.
“We visited several projects and observed the profound impact this issue has on the security and livelihoods of the nation. It is a subject of ongoing discussion at the multilateral level,” she said.
She highlighted the upcoming COP 29 conference and reiterated that the Pacific region consistently relies on the European Union’s support in tackling climate-related challenges and in promoting initiatives addressing loss and damage.
“The European Union stands as the largest global contributor to climate finance, both in our bilateral engagements with the Solomon Islands and in our regional cooperation with the Pacific,” Ambassador Plinkert stated.
She said that climate change is a primary concern, asserting that it is a top priority in the multilateral context, fostering significant cooperation and partnership with the Solomon Islands.
Furthermore, she mentioned that regional collaboration is structured under the Samoa Agreement, which was established in Samoa last year.
“This comprehensive agreement involves the African-Caribbean-Pacific countries on one side and the European Union on the other. It has outdated the previous cotton agreement and now governs our relations,” Ms Plinkert explained.
She added that the Samoa Agreement encompasses a wide array of countries, with three specific protocols defining the relations of each region with the European Union.
“A Pacific protocol has been established to cater to the specific needs and priorities of the Pacific region, aligning with the 2050 strategy of the Pacific group, which now requires implementation,’’ she stated.
“At this juncture, we are engaged in discussions regarding the implementation of the priorities outlined in this agreement at the regional level. Consequently, all our collaborative efforts with the Pacific will be governed by this Samoa agreement,’’ Ms. Plinkert said.
