SUVA, Fiji—On January 26, 2026, Assistant Secretary Florian J. Yatilman and Assistant Secretary Moses Pretrick joined bilateral meeting with European Union (EU) Delegation ahead of trade meeting at the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Secretariat.
As the senior officials will be attending the 11th interim Economic Partnership Agreement (iEPA) Committee meeting, the EU Head of Delegation, Ms. Cristina Miranda Gozalves, highlighted key objectives and significance of the treaty, viewed as a key partnership mechanism between the European Union and the Pacific region. She further expressed appreciation for FSM’s participation in the 11th iEPA Committee Meeting and conveyed the EU’s hope that FSM would in time participate as a full member.
Assistant Secretary Yatilman expressed appreciation to the EU for their ongoing support and engagement with FSM thus far, sharing experience regarding the potential accession to the agreement. He highlighted both the challenges and opportunities associated with the process, as well as critical areas where support from the EU could assist FSM’s accession to the iEPA.
Assistant Secretary Pretrick also provided key insights into FSM’s status as a Competent Authority, particularly in meeting health standards and compliance requirements. He underscored current actions within the FSM in strengthening these systems, noting as well the areas for support from the EU that would assist in FSM’s successful completion as Competent Authority particular to international market access.
The meeting concluded on a positive and constructive note, with all parties reaffirming commitment to continued dialogue and cooperation between the EU and the Federated States of Micronesia, ahead of the broader trade discussions scheduled for the week.
