Fiji remains fully committed to working closely with Kiribati.
This was articulated by the Prime Minister Honourable Sitiveni Rabuka while meeting the President of Kiribati, His Excellency Taneti Maamau on the margins of the 3rd FIPIC Summit in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea this afternoon.
Hon. Rabuka thanked the President for the opportunity to meet and discuss areas of further collaboration.
Speaking on the re-establishment of the Rabi Island Council, Hon.Rabuka informed His Excellency Maamau that the administration was now fully operational with an interim administrator overseeing the operations of the council.
Discussions at the meeting also focused on the land belonging to the government of Kiribati namely, Natoavatu Estate in Vanua Levu.
As part of the Fiji-Kiribati bilateral relations, Prime Minister Rabuka informed His Excellency Maamau that “we are also currently screening Rabi lawyers, educators and health professionals that can come and work in Kiribati to assist the island nation’s development priorities”.
On regional issues, Hon. Rabuka reiterated the Pacific leaders’ vision for a peaceful, secure and prosperous Pacific region.
He emphasised the need for the Pacific forum family to collectively work together to address the challenges ahead in line with the 2050 Strategy.
President Maamau, in his response, acknowledged Prime Minister Rabuka’s strong leadership, being one of the most senior leaders in the Pacific.
He said that Kiribati looks forward to working closely with Fiji to enhance bilateral relations.