On 13th March 2025, US Ambassador H.E. Marie C. Damour and First Secretary Kelly H. Bushy met with Kiribati’s Minister for Fisheries and Ocean Resources, Hon. Ribanataake Awira, and Deputy Secretary Tieri Tamoa. The discussions focused on strengthening US-Kiribati cooperation, particularly in sustainable tuna exports and marine scientific research, with an emphasis on bluefin tuna and climate change.

Hon. Awira expressed gratitude for the partnership but raised concerns about recent changes in US foreign aid programs, highlighting potential impacts on Kiribati’s exclusive economic zone security and the US Treaty with PNA members. He stressed the need to address possible financial gaps.

Ambassador Damour reassured Hon. Awira that she would advocate to the US President to uphold commitments to the Pacific Islands, including securing fishing rights for US companies in Kiribati’s waters while ensuring sustainability and mutual benefits.

The meeting reaffirmed both nations’ commitment to sustainable fisheries management, economic growth, and scientific collaboration, particularly in addressing climate-related challenges in the Pacific.