Ambassador Barbara Plinkert, Head of the European Union Delegation to the Pacific, with Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, Ms Elizabeth Wright Koteka.
The Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, Ms Elizabeth Wright‑Koteka, has met with Ambassador Barbara Plinkert, Head of the European Union Delegation to the Pacific, as part of her programme of courtesy calls in Suva. The meeting provided an opportunity to acknowledge the European Union (EU) as a long‑standing and valued partner for both the Cook Islands and the wider Pacific region.
Secretary Wright‑Koteka underscored the importance of the relationship that has grown since the establishment of formal diplomatic ties between the Cook Islands and the EU. She thanked the EU for its targeted financial and technical support over many years, particularly in fisheries and oceans governance, where EU assistance has helped strengthen national systems and contribute to responsible, sustainable use of marine resources.
Both parties welcomed the recent conclusion of the new Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the Cook Islands and the EU, noting the benefits it provides for each side. The EU noted that the Cook Islands is one of only two Pacific countries, alongside Kiribati, to have this type of agreement in place, underlining the level of confidence and cooperation between the EU and the Cook Islands in the fisheries sector.
Ambassador Plinkert also recalled the Cook Islands’ ongoing process to accede to the Interim Economic Partnership Agreement (iEPA), and outlined the expected timelines and steps still to be completed. She acknowledged that the process can be detailed and demanding, but noted that, over time, full participation in the agreement is expected to deliver long‑term benefits for the Cook Islands economy.
Secretary Wright‑Koteka welcomed the opportunity to explore further cooperation through the EU’s Global Gateway initiative, including where Cook Islands and Pacific priorities may align with future EU investments. The discussions also touched on the broader regional and global context, including the implications of the Iran conflict, developments in Pacific regional architecture and preparations for the new Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Partnership Mechanism and the upcoming Leaders Meeting in Palau. Secretary Wright‑Koteka welcomed the EU’s commitment to maintaining high‑level engagement with the region, including in Palau.
In closing, both sides recognised the value of maintaining regular dialogue and coordination in Suva to support cooperation between the Cook Islands, the EU and its Member States, including progressing formal diplomatic relations with individual Member States where these are not yet in place. Secretary Wright‑Koteka thanked Ambassador Plinkert and her team for their time and for the constructive exchange during her introductory visit.
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