Bilateral Relations » Japan's Economic Cooperation between Japan and the Republic of Kiribati » Past Assistance Projects toKiribati» Non-Project Grant Aid» Speech

Speech by Ms. Seiko Hashimoto, State Secretary for Foreign Affairs of the Government of Japan on the Occasion of the Signing and Exchange of Notes for the Non-Project Grant Aid and GGP Projects in the Republic of Kiribati

at 10.10 am, 11th February 2009, Tarawa, Republic of Kiribati

Good Morning.

It gives me a great pleasure to have this opportunity to speak on behalf of the people and the Government of Japan in formalising Japan’s Aid to the Republic of Kiribati. I thank you all for your presence here to witness the signing and exchange of notes, which formalises Japan’s Non Project Grant Aid and Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects programme, also known as GGP.

In acknowledging the financial difficulties faced by Kiribati, and, in view of the close ties that exist between Kiribati and Japan, Japan decided to increase its Non Project Grant Aid from 200 million Japanese Yen to 400 million Japanese Yen this year to assist Kiribati to purchase fuel for power generation and thus help Kiribati in implementing structural reforms programme.

Furthermore, Japan also provides financial assistance through GGP programme for construction of five new classrooms at Tebwanimwaneka Primary School and an additional four classrooms at Dai Nippon Primary School to improve the learning facilities for the children.

I am hopeful that these funding will greatly contribute in the facilitation of reform programs and upgrading of educational institutions in Kiribati.

Finally, I am confident that this assistance will serve to further strengthen mutual relations and friendship between the governments and people of Japan and the Republic of Kiribati.

Thank you.

Bilateral Relations » Japan's Economic Cooperation between Japan and the Republic of Kiribati » Past Assistance Projects toKiribati» Non-Project Grant Aid