New Zealand is reevaluating its development funding to Kiribati following a diplomatic incident where Kiribati President Taneti Maamau canceled a meeting with New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters. The meeting, planned for January 21 and 22, would have marked the first visit by a New Zealand minister to the aid-dependent island nation in over five years.
Peters' office stated, "The lack of political-level contact makes it very difficult for us to agree joint priorities for our development program, and to ensure that it is well targeted and delivers good value for money." As a result, New Zealand is reviewing its aid relationship with Kiribati, where foreign assistance accounted for 18% of the national income in 2022. New Zealand contributed 10% of the country's development finance, amounting to 102 million New Zealand dollars ($58 million) between 2021 and 2024.
Relations have been strained since Kiribati shifted its allegiance from Taiwan to China in 2019, resulting in increased Chinese aid. In August, Kiribati suspended all foreign official visits citing internal government priorities, which added to the tensions.
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Australia, Kiribati's largest funder, continues its support. Recently, Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles delivered a patrol boat to Kiribati, without meeting Maamau. Meanwhile, Kiribati's Education Minister Alexander Teabo denied any diplomatic snub, explaining Maamau's prior engagement. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)