New Zealand and Kiribati have formally strengthened their bilateral relationship with the signing of a new Statement of Partnership in Tarawa, marking an expansion of cooperation across health, labour mobility, security and water resilience.
Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Kiribati Vice President Dr Teuea Toatu announced the agreement following talks in the Kiribati capital, concluding what Peters described as six months of intensified political-level engagement between the two Pacific nations.
“Our two countries have had significant political-level dialogue over the past six months, and New Zealand is pleased this has culminated in the signing of a Statement of Partnership today,” Peters said.
He said the agreement builds on discussions held last year with Kiribati President Taneti Maamau in Honiara and New York, and reflects the countries’ shared Pacific geography and history. The statement also formalises long-standing cooperation in areas including health, labour mobility and security.
During their meeting, Peters and Toatu discussed the bilateral relationship, regional and global issues of mutual interest, and the role of the Pacific Islands Forum in supporting regional cooperation amid a challenging strategic environment.
Alongside the partnership announcement, the two leaders confirmed additional New Zealand commitments, including increased support to prevent non-communicable diseases and improve maternal and child health outcomes in Kiribati. New Zealand also renewed backing for the Strengthening Pacific Labour Mobility programme, enabling more Kiribati workers to participate in the Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme.
Further funding was announced to improve water security through the Pacific Partnership for Atoll Water Security, delivered in partnership with the Pacific Community.
The visit marks Peters’ second official trip to Kiribati, following a previous visit in 2019. He said returning to Tarawa had highlighted both the scale of challenges facing Kiribati and New Zealand’s responsibility to contribute to solutions.
During the current parliamentary term, Peters has undertaken official visits to all other members of the Pacific Islands Forum.
Image credit: Winston Chen
