Fiji will pursue possible collaboration with Kiribati – PM

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says Kiribati is resource-rich, especially in fisheries, and Fiji will pursue possible collaboration with the Kiribati Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources.

He says they will consider the promotion of fishing ventures between the two countries, post-harvest, fish processing development and marketing including training, joint research and development, joint fisheries conservation and management and fisheries infrastructure development.

The Prime Minister says potential areas of cooperation will be formalised via a Memorandum Of Understanding between the Fiji Ministry of Fisheries, and the Kiribati Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources.

Rabuka adds once the two agencies have confirmed the terms of the MOU, it will be tabled in Cabinet for decision.

He also says he is very pleased to announce the Government of Kiribati has written to him as the Chairman of the Pacific Islands Forum, expressing their willingness to rejoin the forum.

The Prime Minister adds they will facilitate the process in consultation with all Forum leaders.

He also says they agreed to strengthen their bilateral relations and agreed to revisit the outstanding bilateral issues.

Rabuka says they will revisit the Air Services Agreement; development of Kiribati owned land in Natoavatu, Cakaudrove, and Vanua Levu to be a source that will ensure food security for the people of Kiribati; deployment of Fijian Legal professionals to the Kiribati Attorney-General’s Office; training opportunities in Fiji for specifically for health and education professionals from Kiribati; and strengthening the networks with i-Kiribati students who pursue secondary school education in Fiji; and the re-establishment of the Rabi Island Council of Leaders.

He further says the Chair of the Rabi Island Council of Leaders is also a nominated member of the Kiribati Parliament.

He further says he would like to acknowledge with sincere appreciation the Australian Government’s support and assistance in the transportation of his team to Kiribati by making one of their Royal Aircraft available.