Kiribati and Tuvalu are to reconnect through a new air service.
Tuvalu minister of communication, Monise Tuivaka La'afai and Kiribati minister of communication Willie Tokataake Photo: Kiribati's Tearinibeia Enoo-Teabo
The two countries governments have signed an agreement this week establishing a new aviation service linking Tarawa and Funafuti.
Welcoming the agreement in Funafuti, Tuvalu's Minister of Communication, Monise Tuivaka La'afai underlined its importance as a catalyst to the economic development for the two countries.
Kiribati's Minister of Communication Willie Tokataake said the agreement signified a new stage of co-operation that will benefit students and workers while encouraging visitors and travel between the two countries.
Kiribati and Tuvalu had previously been linked through British colonial ties as the Gilbert and Ellice Islands.
Air Kiribati will use their newly acquired 37-seat Bombardier Dash-8 for the service and commercial flights will commence in the coming weeks once route proving test flights are completed.
Kiribati Minister of Communications Willie Tokataake on aircraft Photo: Tearinibeia Enoo-Teabo
