The European Union's new Ambassador to Samoa, Barbara Plinkert has presented her credentials to the Member of the Council of Deputies, Le Mamea Tuiletufuga Ropati Mualia.

The ceremony for the presentation of her credentials was held on Thursday morning with Ms. Plinkert reaffirming the European Union's close partnership with Samoa which she said is founded on shared common values and interests. 

According to a statement released by Samoa's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), the diplomat emphasised that the EU is keen to further strengthen its partnership with Samoa and develop its cooperation in areas of common interest. 

She also congratulated Samoa as the host country for the signing of a new agreement between the EU and the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries on 15 November 2023, which she said will be a historic milestone not only for Samoa but for all member states.

Le Mamea Tuiletufuga Ropati Mualia, in his response, acknowledged the European Union's crucial role in helping Samoa achieve its sustainable development goals through initiatives that promote economic growth, social progress, and environmental protection.

He also acknowledged the signing of the new OACPS - EU Partnership Agreement (Samoa Agreement) in November as a monumental achievement for all regions and said that Samoa looks forward to welcoming the ACP countries and EU members to its shores next month.

Expressing confidence in the appointment of Ms. Plinkert as Ambassador, the Member of the Council of Deputies said this will lead to more opportunities in furthering relations between the EU and Samoa as well as the Pacific region.

Ms. Plinkert has served in various positions within a number of organisations and has an extensive background. She served an Associate Expert/Programme Management Officer, the United Nations International Drug Control Programme from 1998 to 2002. In 2003 she was appointed as Project Coordinator of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Afghanistan and later in 2004 became the Head of Section Tajikistan, Delegation of the European Commission to Kazakhstan. 

She continued her career in a number of positions serving as the Head of the Social Sectors Section, Delegation of the EU to Zimbabwe, Deputy Head of Delegation of the EU to Ethiopia and Head of Division for Headquarters Security and EEAS Security Policy, European External Action Service and EU Ambassador to Singapore in 2017. She is currently the EU Ambassador to the Pacific and is accredited to 13 Pacific Island Countries with residence in Fiji.