Visit to Kiribati

Today I visit Kiribati to highlight Australia's strong bilateral relationship, underpinned by development, economic growth and security initiatives.

My meeting with President Tong, as well as private sector and government representatives, will focus on improving the business environment and private sector development. I am also pleased to support Kiribati in its recovery efforts following damage inflicted by Tropical Cyclones Pam and Bavi.

Kiribati's participation in the New Colombo Plan will be launched, with ten Australian students from the University of New South Wales funded to visit this year and work collaboratively with I‑Kiribati communities on climate resilience.

Meetings will include I-Kiribati people, who are benefiting from Australian funded projects, women who are establishing microenterprises to undertake routine road maintenance as part of the road rehabilitation project funded by Australia, the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank. This initiative will provide I-Kiribati women with a sustainable source of income and help erode gender stereotypes.

In the health sector, I will mark the commencement of works to improve the Te Meeria Mental Health Ward. Australia's funding is improving the care, security and dignity of patients of the ward, particularly women and girls.

In education, I will inspect the Australian-funded improvements to the Kiribati Institute of Technology and the Bareaumai Primary School.