Vanuatu PM in Brussels for talks with EU

Vanuatu Prime Minister Charlot Salwai is in the EU capital for a week of meetings with leading officials of the EU, France and Netherlands.

RNZ reports the fourth EU-Vanuatu Political Dialogue will formally open tomorrow.

Mr Salwai's delegation includes the Foreign Minister Bruno Leingkone, the Agriculture Minister Matai Nawalu as well as other senior government officials.

It is expected Vanuatu will brief the EU on its new strategic plan, called Vanuatu 2030, an over-arching policy framework for the government's development plans for the next 13 years.

Launched by Mr Salwai last week, the plan seeks to improve infrastructure, education and healthcare, develop the sustainable economy and rural sector and mitigate against the effects of climate change.

It is also expected Mr Salwai will meet the President of the European Investment Bank, H. Werner.

They are due to address ongoing funding arrangements for projects under the European Development Fund.

Vanuatu is likely to renew its commitment to the Bank in the framework of the Cotonou Partnership Agreement between the EU and the African, Caribbean and Pacific group of nations.