The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) finished a visit to Kiribati on Friday. This was the first official trip to Kiribati by Forum Secretary General Baron Waqa since he took the role. The visit showed Kiribati’s strong wish to work with other Pacific island countries. This is very important now, as the region faces many tough issues.
During the visit, Secretary General Waqa met with Kiribati President Taneti Maamau. The President welcomed the Forum team warmly. He said it is good to have Forum staff actually in Kiribati. Being “on the ground” helps them understand Kiribati’s special challenges better.
President Maamau said his government is ready to work closely with the Pacific Islands Forum. He said the Pacific islands must stay united. Only by working together can they solve big problems like climate change, helping the economy grow, and managing fishing well.
Secretary General Waqa praised Kiribati’s leadership. He said Kiribati is playing an active part in regional work. He noted that Kiribati’s support makes the Forum stronger. This helps all Pacific countries find common solutions during these hard times.
The Forum team also met with other key leaders in Kiribati. They spoke with Vice-President and Minister for Finance and Economic Development, Teuea Toatu. They talked about ways to improve the economy. They also stressed how important it is to work with other Pacific nations to reach Kiribati’s goals.
The team met with officials from the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources Development too. Fishing is a key part of Kiribati’s economy and food supply. The talks showed how vital it is to have strong partnerships in the region. This helps manage fish and sea resources well as more countries become interested in the Pacific.
During the visit, the Forum Secretariat toured the new Pacific Islands Forum sub-regional office in Bairiki, Tarawa. This office helps the Forum work closely with Kiribati’s government. It shows how serious Kiribati is about keeping a strong link with the Forum.
Secretary General Waqa called the office a “key sign” of Kiribati’s commitment. He said having staff locally lets the Forum listen better. It also helps them see local problems clearly and act faster and better.
The Forum team also ran a workshop with many Kiribati officials. They shared information about the Forum’s work in areas like climate change, economic growth, and gender equality. People from the Ministry of Women, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ministry of Fisheries joined the talks. The workshop gave a chance to speak openly and find ways to work closer together.
Secretary General Waqa said more cooperation between Kiribati and the Forum would help reach big goals. He said strong teamwork benefits Kiribati and all Pacific nations.
Kiribati’s strong ties with the Forum are very important now. The Pacific faces many pressures like rising seas, economic challenges, and outside political forces. Kiribati’s clear promise to work with others shows how much it values teamwork. The government’s active role with the Forum shows it wants to find solutions that help all Pacific island countries.
The Forum Secretariat plans to keep building its presence in member countries. Staying close to governments helps build trust. It also means the Forum can offer help that fits each country’s needs.
This visit by Secretary General Baron Waqa and his team is a good step forward. It makes the partnership between Kiribati and the Pacific Islands Forum stronger. It also highlights Kiribati’s role as a leader in the region.
The visit sets a good path for future work. Kiribati’s strong support for regionalism shows how unity is key in the Pacific. Working together is the best way to build a safe and strong future for all.
