Photo: European Union Ambassador Barbara Plinkert and Marshall Islands Minister Anthony Muller, key handover of the Airport X-ray machine
The Republic of Marshall Islands (RMI) has received a state-of-the-art X-ray machine to reinforce border security and biosecurity measures at its international airport.
This strategic investment, made possible through the European Union (EU)-funded ‘Safe Agricultural trade Facilitation through Economic integration in the Pacific’ (SAFE Pacific) project, was personally handed over by the European Union. The project is implemented by the Pacific Community (SPC).
The investment is part of SAFE Pacific’s broader support to Pacific Island countries to improve compliance with international biosecurity standards and increase trade opportunities. By supporting RMI’s capacity to detect prohibited items, safeguard biodiversity, and ensure safer travel and trade, the investment also reflects the EU’s ongoing commitment to regional resilience and partnership.
The Ambassador of the European Union to the Pacific, H.E. Barbara Plinkert handed over the x-ray machine at a ceremony at Amata Kabua International Airport, in the presence of the RMI’s Minister of Natural Resources and Commerce, Honourable Anthony Muller and quarantine and customs officials.
“The European Union is proud to support the Republic of the Marshall Islands in strengthening its border protection and biosecurity systems. This new x-ray machine is a tangible example of our commitment to regional resilience, safe travel, and protecting Pacific biodiversity. It is also about ensuring that trade can continue safely and sustainably. Through the SAFE Pacific project, the EU is committed to working alongside Pacific partners to build resilience and secure economic opportunities for the future,” Ambassador Plinkert said.
Previously, the island nation relied on an x-ray machine, which was limited to screening small packs and hand-carried baggage. This meant suitcases, boxes and larger carriage items were not screened for biosecurity risks. With the installation of the new machine, all passenger luggage can now be efficiently scanned.
Coordinator of the Pacific Plant Protection Organisation (PPPO) at SPC Riten Gosai highlighted the significance of X-ray screening in protecting RMI from biosecurity threats.
“Screening passengers’ luggage helps prevent the entry and spread of pests and diseases that can threaten our livelihoods and communities. X-ray screening is also important to detect illegal transport of wild flora, fauna, and endangered species,” he said.
A live demonstration of the machine at the handover ceremony showed how effective the equipment is in improving cargo and baggage screening to prevent the entry of harmful pests and diseases.
Through the SAFE Pacific project, RMI has received extensive support to strengthen its biosecurity capacity. This includes specialised training in biosecurity, plant health, and paraveterinary services, ICT support, as well as assistance with planning and emergency response to pest and disease outbreaks.
About SAFE Pacific:
The SAFE Pacific project is funded by the European Union and implemented by SPC to support greater economic integration in the region. SAFE Pacific provides targeted assistance to support small Pacific Island countries in increasing export capacity and improving economic growth. SAFE Pacific is implemented across 15 Pacific countries including Cook Islands, Fiji, Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Palau, PNG, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.
Media Contacts:
Onorina Saukelo, Communications and Visibility Officer, Pacific Community's Land Resources Division | [email protected]
For general media enquiries, please contact [email protected]
About SPC:
The Pacific Community has been supporting sustainable development in the Pacific, through science, knowledge and innovation since 1947. It is the principal intergovernmental organisation in the region, owned and governed by its 27 member countries and territories. www.spc.int
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