North and South Tarawa are seen from the air in the Pacific island nation of Kiribati. 23 May 2013. Photo: Reuters / David Gray
New Zealand has renewed its partnership with Kiribati committing to more assistance in health, labour mobility and water security.
New Zealand's foreign minister Winston Peters signed a statement of partnership in Tarawa today with Kiribati vice president Dr Teuea Toatu.
It comes a year after Peters was snubbed by the Kiribati's president putting a strain on diplomatic relations and a prompting a review of New Zealand's aid to Kiribati.
Taneti Maamai, left, and Winston Peters. Photo: RNZ
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has confirmed to RNZ Pacific that the review of International Development Cooperation in Kiribati has now concluded. They said New Zealand's long-standing development support to Kiribati is continuing.
In a statement, Peters said today's signing was the culmination of months of political-level dialogue.
"Building on our discussions with Kiribati's President Taneti Maamau in Honiara and New York last year, today's Statement of Partnership recognises our shared geography and history as Pacific nations," Peters said.
"It also formalises the strong and long-established cooperation New Zealand and Kiribati enjoy - including in health, labour mobility and security."
During today's meeting in Tarawa, Peters and Kiribati Vice President Dr Teuea Toatu discussed the New Zealand-Kiribati relationship, regional and global issues of mutual interest, and the importance of the Pacific Islands Forum in fostering regional cooperation in a challenging geostrategic environment.
Bonriki International Airport, Kiribati. Photo: Facebook / Air Kiribati / @SaloteVuniwaqaMataitini
They also jointly announced:
- A further commitment by New Zealand towards the prevention of non-communicable diseases and support for maternal and child health in Kiribati;
- Renewed support for the Strengthening Pacific Labour Mobility programme to Kiribati, enabling more Kiribati workers to participate in New Zealand's Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme and;
- Increased funding to address water security in Kiribati through the Pacific Partnership for Atoll Water Security, in partnership with the Pacific Community (SPC).
This was Winston Peters' second official visit to Kiribati, following his last trip there in 2019.
"Being back in Tarawa has underlined both the acute challenges that Kiribati faces, and the serious and important contribution New Zealand can and should make to help meet them," Peters said.
It also fulfilled a promise he made on taking office in 2023 to visit to all 17 members of the Pacific Islands Forum during his tenure as foreign minister.
