On Thursday, 15 May 2025, the Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Mr Baron Waqa and his delegation visited the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources (MFOR). On behalf of the Honourable Minister and the Secretary of MFOR, the delegation was cordially welcomed by the Officer-in-Charge, Ms. Teue Baikarawa, accompanied by two senior officials, Mr. Kobure Norman and Ms. Joyce Uan.

The OIC acknowledged and commended the Pacific Islands Forum for its ongoing initiatives, particularly in relation to the implementation of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, the regional response to the Fukushima nuclear wastewater issue, the Small Island States (SIS) Strategy, and the work of the Office of the Pacific Ocean Commissioner (OPOC). She also emphasized that these regional efforts aligned well with the Ministry’s Strategic Plan (2024–2028), especially with the thematic priorities of the 2050 Strategy.

OIC also took the opportunity to brief the delegation on the MFOR Strategic Plan, outlining the Ministry’s key priorities, strategic objectives, performance targets, and focus areas for future development. A key priority highlighted during the discussion was Kiribati’s national aspiration to domesticate its tuna fisheries and transition towards becoming a fishing nation.

The Secretary General expressed keen interest in this aspiration and affirmed the Pacific Islands Forum’s willingness to support Kiribati in this endeavor and may consider the potential for this initiative under the East New Britain Initiative (ENBi).