Tarawa, 28 May 2022 (TDI): The President and Foreign Minister of Kiribati, Taneti Maamau, met with State Councilor and Foreign Minister of China Wang Yi, at the President’s official house in Tarawa on May 27, 2022, accompanied by numerous Kiribati cabinet ministers.
Maamau urged Wang Yi to express his heartfelt greetings and best wishes to President Xi Jinping, as well as his congratulations to the Communist Party of China on its remarkable achievements since its inception, noting that China’s success serves as a source of inspiration for developing countries.
The arrival of the Chinese delegation will lead to mutual trust, friendship, and cooperation, and it represents a watershed moment in Kiribati-China ties. Since the reopening of diplomatic relations between Kiribati and China, the two nations have made significant progress in practical cooperation.
Maamau expressed gratitude to China for its support and aid to Kiribati in the areas of pandemic preparedness, economic development, and infrastructural development. Kiribati’s President said that he is unwavering in his commitment to advancing bilateral relations and bringing additional benefits to the people.
President Xi Jinping’s cordial wishes were communicated by Wang Yi, who also stated that President Maamau, who made a particular effort to meet him in his own home, sees China as a loyal friend. He further stated that the two nations have been friends since the president and people of Kiribati decided to re-establish diplomatic relations with China.
China is not only Kiribati’s best ally, but also the most dependable friend of all developing nations, said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
Combating Covid-19 pandemic
In the fight against the pandemic, the two sides decided to continue to strengthen their cooperation.
The first batch of China’s medical aid team came to Kiribati this time, together with the Chinese delegation, to assist the country in combating the pandemic and providing medical services to the Kiribati people.
China-Kiribati signed MoUs to deepen collaboration in different areas
To extend collaboration in various fields and focus on improving people’s livelihoods, the two sides agreed to deepen Belt and Road cooperation and strengthen synergy with the “Kiribati 20-year Vision (KV20) development blueprint.”
The two sides committed to fully using Kiribati’s resource endowment and establishing a new high point in bilateral marine cooperation based on environmental protection.
Following the discussion, the two sides attended a signing ceremony for cooperation documents related to the Belt and Road Initiative, disaster prevention and mitigation, infrastructure, tourism, and people’s livelihood, among other topics.
Wang Yi met with Kiribati Vice President Teuea Toatu on the same day.
