Kiribati will host an official state visit for a delegation from China led by Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Tarawa on Friday.
The President's office said the delegation will stay for four hours, meeting with Kiribati's head of state and President Taneti Maamau at his residence in Bairiki.
The visit is described as "an important milestone for Kiribati-China relations, as it will strengthen and promote partnership and cooperation" between the two countries since diplomatic ties resumed in 2019.
From the Office of Te Beretitenti regarding an official State Visit from the Government of the People's Republic of China to the Republic of #Kiribati on Friday afternoon, 27th of May, 2022. Health, Peace, and Prosperity to the World. pic.twitter.com/blwrXSwvYt
— Republic of Kiribati (@GovKiribati) May 24, 2022
Three medical specialists are also travelling with the delegation to help Kiribati's Ministry of Health and Medical Services and assess the health system in Kiribati.
The President's statement includes detail about the Covid-19 prevention protocols that will be observed by the Chinese delegation including a PCR test on arrival and remaining in 'travel bubbles' to minimise contact and exposure with i-Kiribati.
Face masks will be worn by all attending the meeting and participants in Kiribati will remain in quarantine for one week after the meeting at approved isolation centres.
In 2019, Kiribati and Solomon Islands both severed their ties with Taiwan in favour of China.
