acific Islands Forum secretary general Baron Waqa, left, and Kiribati President Taneti Maamau in Tarawa. Photo: Pacific Islands Forum
Kiribati has reaffirmed its commitment to Pacific regionalism during consultations with the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) secretary general.
Baron Waqa has wrapped up what he called a "successful high-level" visit to the capital Tarawa.
In a statement, Waqa acknowledged Kiribati's continued leadership and reengagement at the regional level, "especially amidst the current geopolitical environment".
Kiribati rejoined the inter-governmental organisation in early 2023 after withdrawing in 2022.
President Taneti Maamau refused to attend the annual Leaders' gathering in Suva that year, due to what he claimed was failure by the PIF to address concerns of equity, equality and inclusiveness in a number of key decisions, including the appointment of the current secretary General.
Kiribati's withdrawal was touted as a sign of ongoing tensions within the regional group.
Now, Maamau is pleased Waqa visited his country, saying being "on the ground" is key to understanding the extent of the country's realities.
Waqa missed the University of the South Pacific (USP) Council meeting in Auckland on Tuesday for a meeting with Australia's Penny Wong. He is expected to travel to New Zealand this week to meet with the government.
The PIF team also conducted a workshop with representatives from government ministries, to present on the work the Secretariat is doing in different sectors, and welcomed more collaboration when working towards regional goals.
Workshop participants included representatives from the Ministry of Women, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources Development.
Waqa's visit comes after issue was raised earlier this year over who New Zealand's foreign minister, Winston Peters, would speak with on his planned trip to Kiribati.
Taneti Maamau's inauguration ceremony on 24 June 2020 at the Parliament House in Ambo. Maamau, from the Island of Onotoa, had been re-elected after completing his first term in office from 2016 to 2020. Photo: Facebook / Office of Te Beretitenti
Peters wanted Mamau because that was who he had arranged to meet with in the first place, while Mamau had delegated the role of talks to another minister, a move Kiribati maintained was in line with protocol.
Australia had accepted that position not long before.
The Kiribati government also stated the "New Zealand government cancelled its own proposed visit".
"New Zealand was advised that the president was still on the outer islands in the southern part of the Gilbert group attending a national commitment and will not be in Tarawa on the proposed dates."
Winston Peters announced that New Zealand's government would rethink development support to the country saying the President withdrew a week before a planned visit.
A New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson later confirmed it had decided against cutting assistance to Kiribati.
However, they said in April the findings of the review will not be released for now.
