Press Releases
Signing and Exchange of Notes Concerning Grant Aid to the Republic of Kiribati: “the Economic and Social Development Programme” (Installation of Road Maintenance Equipment)
On December 17, in Tarawa, the capital of the Republic of Kiribati, Mr. SUZUKI Hideyuki, Charge d' Affaires ad interim of Japan to the Republic of Kiribati, and the Honourable Mr. Tekeeua TARATI, Minister for Infrastructure and Sustainable Energy of the Republic of Kiribati, signed and exchanged notes for “the Economic and Social Development Programme (Road Maintenance Equipment)” (project up to 400 million yen).
- This cooperation contributes to strengthening and extending the lifespan of roads by providing equipment for road maintenance and repair (such as road rollers for compacting the ground, compressors for finishing and cleaning road surfaces, and asphalt spreaders). This enables proper repair and management of roads affected by surface deterioration and potholes caused by frequent heavy rain flooding and seawater inundation due to rising sea levels.
- In the “Leaders Declaration” and the “Joint Action Plan” issued at the 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM 10) held in July, 2024, Japan has announced “Climate Change and Disasters” and “Technology and Connectivity” as the priority areas of Japan’s cooperation, and this cooperation embodies the Plan.
(Reference1) Basic Data on the Republic of Kiribati
The Republic of Kiribati has an area of 730 square kilometers, a population of 134,518 (2024, World Bank), and a gross national income per capita of US$3,620 (2024, World Bank).
(Reference2) 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM 10)
On July 16 to July 18, 2024, the 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM 10) was co-chaired by former Prime Minister KISHIDA and Prime Minister BROWN of the Cook Islands, the Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF). The Meeting was attended by the leaders and representatives of 19 countries, regions and regional organization including Japan, 14 Pacific Island countries, two French overseas collectivities, Australia, and New Zealand, and the chair of Pacific Islands Forum (PIF). Mr. Uering Iteraera, Secretary for Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration represented the Republic of Kiribati.
The Government of Japan announced Japan’s commitment to continue its robust development assistance and support for more than 6,500 people-to-people exchanges as well as human resource development over the next three years based on the seven priority areas of cooperation which are in line with the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent or “2050 Strategy" of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF): (1) Political Leadership and Regionalism, (2) People-centered Development, (3) Peace and Security, (4) Resources and Economic Development, (5) Climate Change and Disasters, (6) Ocean and Environment, (7) Technology and Connectivity.