Kiribati–United States relations

Kiribati-United States relations are bilateral relations between Kiribati and the United States.

History

Relations between Kiribati and the United States are excellent. Kiribati signed a treaty of friendship with the United States after independence in 1979. The United States has no consular or diplomatic facilities in the country. Officers of the American Embassy in Suva, Fiji, are concurrently accredited to Kiribati and make periodic visits. The U.S. Peace Corps has maintained a program in Kiribati since 1967. Currently there are about 40 Peace Corps volunteers serving in the country.

Kiribati became a member of the United Nations in 1999, and in September 2003, President Tong requested authority from Parliament to establish a UN mission. Currently, however, Kiribati does not maintain a resident ambassador in New York, and its vote is typically cast by New Zealand in a proxy arrangement. Kiribati also is a member of the Pacific Islands Forum, Asian Development Bank, the Commonwealth, International Monetary Fund, the Pacific Community, and the World Bank. Kiribati is particularly active in the Pacific Islands Forum. The only Kiribati diplomatic missions overseas are a high commission in Fiji and an honorary consulate in Honolulu.

Principal U.S. Embassy Officials include:
* Ambassador--Larry M. Dinger
* Deputy Chief of Mission--Ted A. Mann
* Political/Economic/Commercial Affairs--Brian J. Siler
* Consul--Debra J. Towry
* Management Officer--Ila S. Jurisson
* Regional Environmental Officer--Joseph P. Murphy
* Regional Security Officer--Jim T. Suor

The U.S. Embassy responsible for Kiribati is located in Suva, Republic of the Fiji Islands.

See also

* Foreign relations of the United States
* Foreign relations of Kiribati

References

StateDept [http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/1836.htm#relations]