Deputy PM Rushes to Kiribati as Diplomatic Restrictions Ease
Richard Marles is set to visit Kiribati for crucial talks after a two-year diplomatic hiatus
Kiribati, Richard Marles, Tarawa, Solomon Islands, Penny Wong
Tarawa: Richard Marles is making history as the first minister to visit Kiribati in nearly two years. This comes after the Pacific Island nation had its borders shut for foreign diplomatic visits.
He’s heading there for some important talks with the newly re-elected government. They had closed their borders back in 2024 during the national elections.
Marles is set to meet Vice-President Teuea Toatu to chat about economic and strategic priorities, especially focusing on maritime security.
The last Australian minister to visit was Penny Wong in February 2023, so this trip is a big deal.
He’ll also be opening the new Australian High Commission Chancery in Tarawa and attending the commissioning of a new patrol boat, the RKS Tobwaan Mainiku.
This boat, delivered in 2024, is the second one for Kiribati, helping them patrol their huge exclusive economic zone.
Kiribati is a Micronesian nation right on the equator, home to about 120,000 people and boasting the world’s 12th-largest exclusive economic zone.
After Kiribati, Marles will head to the Solomon Islands to meet Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele. This will be his third trip there.
Australia had announced support in December to help grow the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force.
Prime Minister Manele took over from Manasseh Sogavare, who had signed a security deal with China, raising concerns in the region.
Both Australia and the US were worried that this agreement could lead to a Chinese police presence in the Solomon Islands.
Marles emphasized that Australia values its relationship with Kiribati and their long-standing cooperation on maritime security.
He mentioned that they are committed to their “enduring partnership” by delivering another Guardian-class patrol boat to Kiribati.
Marles is looking forward to meeting Manele in Honiara to strengthen the ties between their nations.
He reassured that Australia is a reliable security partner for the Solomon Islands and is dedicated to supporting their police force ambitions.