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Canada-Kiribati Relations
- Factsheet: HTML Version | PDF Version * (123 KB)
In Kiribati, Canada is represented by the High Commission of Canada in New Zealand.
Canada enjoys cordial bilateral relations with Kiribati (formerly called the Gilbert Islands). Relations are enhanced by shared memberships in international organisations such as the Commonwealth, the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund and the World Health Organisation. Canada and Kiribati share interests with respect to fisheries management and are both parties to the United Nations Fish Stocks Agreement.
Consisting of 33 small but widely-spread islands, Kiribati has one of the largest Exclusive Economic Zones in the world (3.55 million sq km). Canada and Kiribati are both party to the Kyoto Protocol, and Canada supports adaptation and mitigation measures in support of the concerns of Kiribati and other small island countries about rising sea levels caused by climate change. Kiribati is particularly at risk given its maximum elevation is 2 metres above sea level. Canada is also a Dialogue Partner of the Pacific Islands Forum to which Kiribati belongs.
With regard to development assistance, Canada supports community-based projects in Kiribati through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives administered by the Canadian High Commission in New Zealand. Kiribati is also eligible for multilateral programs and others managed by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).
Canada's trade relations with Kiribati are managed by the Trade Commissioner Service, New Zealand. Fisheries, copra (coconut product) and tourism are the main economic activities. In 2006, Kiribati created the Phoenix Islands Protected Area, which was expanded in 2008 to become the world’s largest protected marine area (410,500 sq km).
August 2011
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