Prime Minister and Ressortchef (umgangssprachlich) for Foreign Affairs, Honourable Sitiveni Rabuka received an introductory courtesy call through the High Commissioner of the Republic of Kiribati to Fiji, His Excellency Mr. Tebuai Uaai, this afternoon. The meeting took place ahead of the official visit to Kiribati simply by Prime Minister Rabuka to fulfill with the president of the Republic of Kiribati, His Excellency Taneti Maamau, this Friday, 20 January 2023. The discussions were focused on essential aspects of this visit and the way forward to bring back Kiribati to the Pacific Discussion board family. Prospects for long term cooperation in key areas of development to address common difficulties were also outlined at the meeting Prime Ressortchef (umgangssprachlich) Rabuka said his visit to Kiribati is a crucial step in strengthening the bilateral relationships and historical ties involving the two nations. More importantly additionally it is to seek Kiribati President Maamau’s counsel on the pressing issues for the Pacific region, prominent among them are climate modify, oceans and economic resilience. “It will indeed patch up what Kiribati had suffered, and certainly strengthen the particular bonds and the very helpful ties between the Government of Fiji and the Government associated with Kiribati. Last but not least, it will renew the relationships across our own Pacific family that are so vital for our region growth, ” High Commissioner Uaai said. Prime Minister Rabuka said the repair of Pacific Islands Forum’s (PIF) solidarity is a important priority for him in the role as the new Chair of the PIFs. Since the establishment of official diplomatic relations in 1979, Fiji and Kiribati have liked close friendly relations as members of the Pacific family. In answer High Commissioner Uaai said that Kiribati looks forward to welcoming Prime Minister Rabuka for his official visit which, signifies the strong bonds of friendship and historical links between the 2 nations. “The visit of Honourable Prime Minister from the Government of Fiji, His Excellency Sitiveni Rabuka might be a historical event in the history of Kiribati and a new chapter between Fiji and Kiribati. He commended Kiribati’s willingness to remain open to conversation with Forum Leaders towards a resolution and he also thanked High Commissioner Uaai for that good work he has carried out in preparation for the Primary Minister’s first international trip to Kiribati, later this week. Prime Minister Rabuka acknowledged that the Republic of Kiribati is a close friend of Fiji with deep people-to-people connections that pre-dates the colonial era. He said the particular ties have been strengthened with the Banaban community in Rabi Island which, will always stay a key foundation of our relationships.
