RAROTONGA/TARAWA, 20 NOVEMBER 2023 (RADIO KIRIBATI)—Kiribati President Taneti Maamau has signed the Host Country Agreement with Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum, Henry Puna, for Kiribati to host the Micronesian PIF-Secretariat Sub-Regional Office on November 10 in Rarotonga.
Under the Agreement, Kiribati is required to provide accommodation for the Head of the office as well as a practical workspace while PIF Secretariat (PIFS) will cover the staff remunerations and entitlements under the employment contract.
PIFS has already commenced working with relevant ministries in Kiribati in setting up the office as well as recruitment of the Head of this newly established PIFS branch.
Kiribati aims to have the sub-regional office operational in the first quarter of 2024.
The office will greatly benefit the PIF member states in the Micronesia sub-region such Palau, Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Nauru and Kiribati as it will expedite delivery of assistance from the PIFS Head Office in Suva.
It will also benefit the entire PIF family as it will provide timely feedback on issues and consultations related with the Micronesia sub-region.
The office will also create employment opportunities in Kiribati as there will be local staff recruited as well as contributing to the private sector. …PACNEWS