The Prime Minister of Fiji, Honourable Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka, and his delegation visited Kiribati on Friday, the 20th of January 2023. The high-level delegation received the Minister for Education, Hon Alex Teabo, his wife, several Government dignitaries, and the Kiribati Police Service Brass Band which played the Fiji National Anthem. Upon arrival at the Bonriki International Airport, the Honorable Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka inspected the Guard of Honor.
The delegation visited the Eita maneaba, Tokanuean Auriaria IV where they were accorded a traditional Kiribati welcome. The Prime Minister also paid a courtesy call to Kiribati’s Head of State and President, H.E Taneti Maamau where the two leaders discussed areas of mutual interest for both countries. His Excellency Taneti Maamau hosted a welcome function and was joined by his Cabinet Ministers at the Office of the Beretitenti in honor of the Prime Minister and his delegation.
The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral relations between Fiji and Kiribati and discussed the restoration of unity in the Blue Pacific family.
At the meeting, both Leaders acknowledged the strong kinship shared by Fiji and Kiribati, which has been founded on strong cultural identity, mutual respect, and friendship. The two leaders reaffirmed the need to collectively work in unity and promote regional cooperation as highlighted in the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
Since the establishment of formal diplomatic relations in 1979, Fiji and Kiribati have enjoyed close friendly relations as members of the Blue Pacific family.
The Tourism Authority of Kiribati recognizes the visit as a great opportunity for Kiribati to elevate its tourism development and marketing initiatives through collaboration. Fiji is a leading Pacific tourism destination and presents opportunities for capacity-building and marketing partnerships for Kiribati.
