Wang Yi Meets with Kiribati President and Foreign Minister Taneti Maamau

On September 23, 2022 local time, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Kiribati President and Foreign Minister Taneti Maamau on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Wang Yi first conveyed President Xi Jinping's warm greetings to President Maamau. Wang Yi said, three years ago, Mr. President and Foreign Minister made the political decision to resume diplomatic relations with China, opening a new historic chapter for China-Kiribati relations. Since the resumption of diplomatic relations, cooperation between the two countries had a good start and has witnessed rapid development with fruitful outcomes, bringing tangible benefits to the people of Kiribati. The Chinese side is satisfied with the current development of bilateral relations, and has full confidence in future development. We support Kiribati in safeguarding its sovereignty, independence, and national dignity, following an independent development path suited to its national conditions and supported by its people, and achieving national stability and sustainable development.

Maamau asked Wang Yi to convey his sincere greetings to President Xi Jinping and the Chinese people. He thanked the Chinese side for the friendship and precious support to Kiribati. Maamau said that the resumption of diplomatic relations between Kiribati and China stands on the right side of history and has brought new hope to Kiribati. Since the resumption of diplomatic relations, bilateral relations have achieved steady and sound development despite the impact of the pandemic, and cooperation in maritime affairs, tourism, education, health, and other areas has been successfully advanced. The Kiribati side highly appreciates that the Chinese side shoulders the responsibilities of a major country, and is committed to promoting world peace, openness, and prosperity. The Kiribati side expects to strengthen the synergy between the "Kiribati 20-year Vision" and the Belt and Road Initiative, consolidate the momentum of the sound development of bilateral relations, and elevate practical cooperation to a new level.

Wang Yi noted, China always upholds the principle that all countries, big or small, are equal, is always a reliable good friend and good partner of Kiribati, and will continue its utmost assistance according to the needs of the Kiribati side, helping Kiribati accelerate development and rejuvenation, and setting a good example of friendly coexistence between countries different in size.

The two sides agreed to make good use of the platform of cooperation between China and Pacific Island Countries, to expand cooperation in climate change response, and human resources training, among others.