Kiribati set to rejoin Pacific Islands Forum

Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says the government of Kiribati has written to him as chairman of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) and has expressed its willingness to re-join the Forum family.

In a media conference yesterday, he said he would facilitate the process in consultation with all Forum leaders.

“We agreed to strengthen our bilateral relations and agreed to revisit the following outstanding bilateral issues; air services agreement, development of Kiribati-owned land in Natoavatu, Cakaudrove, Vanua Levu to be a source that will ensure the food security for the people of Kiribati, deployment of Fijian legal professionals to the Kiribati attorney-general’s office, training opportunities in Fiji specifically for health and education professionals from Kiribati, strengthening the networks with i-Kiribati students who pursue secondary school education in Fiji, and re-establishment of the Rabi Island Council of Leaders,” Mr Rabuka said.

“Team of officials of both governments are working together in developing the necessary acceptable arrangements in addressing issues of common interest.”

Mr Rabuka also acknowledged Australia’s support in getting his team to and from Kiribati through the use of an aircraft from their military.