WELLINGTON, New Zealand: During his visit to New Zealand, Ambassador Sujiro Seam, head of the European Union Delegation for the Pacific, said the European Union is working to increase its presence in the Pacific through economic ties and new security commitments in the area.
The EU’s push comes as major powers compete for influence in the region, with the United States
States and Australia step up engagement in Pacific after China signs security pact
with the Solomon Islands this year.
“The geostrategic importance of the Pacific is recognized by all, including
European Union,” Seam said.
The EU has several development projects underway in the region and is looking at others, he said, noting that it is finalizing plans to spend 5 million euros on a feasibility study to build a wharf on the island of Kiritimati in Kiribati.
“We have always said that our position in the region is not against anyone. We are not here to
contain China,” Seam said.
But when countries make decisions about who to cooperate with, it is important that they judge
the consequences, such as if they are offered aid or loans.
“Most of the aid from China actually … it’s loans. So that adds to the debt
the vulnerability of these countries.”
Part of the strategy to increase the EU’s presence in the Pacific is to provide financial
opportunities, Seam said, and they have signed a number of trade partnerships with Pacific governments and are negotiating a similar agreement with Tonga, to give it better access to European markets.
Source: sn.dk