More information about Kiribati is available on the Kiribati Page and from other Department of State publications and other sources listed at the end of this fact sheet.
U.S.-KIRIBATI RELATIONS
The United States and Kiribati signed a treaty of friendship in 1979 following Kiribati's independence from the United Kingdom, and they established diplomatic relations in 1980. The United States and Kiribati have enjoyed a close relationship based on mutual respect and shared interests. The two countries work closely together on a broad range of issues, from strengthening regional security, to promoting sustainable development and addressing climate change, to protecting fisheries and the environment. The United States and Kiribati have signed a cooperative maritime enforcement agreement, or "ship rider agreement," allowing I-Kiribati law enforcement officers to embark on select U.S. Coast Guard vessels and aircraft to patrol their waters. The United States has no consular or diplomatic facilities in the country. Officers of the U.S. Embassy in Fiji are concurrently accredited to Kiribati and make periodic visits.
U.S. Assistance to Kiribati
U.S. development assistance is provided primarily through multilateral institutions.
Bilateral Economic Relations
The United States has no significant trade or investment with Kiribati. Fishing fleets from the United States pay licensing fees to operate in Kiribati's territorial waters. The majority of U.S. tourists visit Christmas Island (Kiritimati) in the Line Islands on fishing and diving vacations.
Kiribati's Membership in International Organizations
Kiribati and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, including the United Nations, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and Asian Development Bank.
Bilateral Representation
The U.S. Ambassador to Kiribati is Frankie A. Reed, resident in Fiji; other principal embassy officials are listed in the Department's Key Officers List.
Kiribati does not maintain an embassy in the United States.
More information about Kiribati is available from the Department of State and other sources, some of which are listed here:
Department of State Kiribati Country Page
Department of State Key Officers List
U.S. Embassy: Fiji
History of U.S. Relations With Kiribati
Human Rights Reports
International Religious Freedom Reports
Trafficking in Persons Reports
U.S. Census Bureau Foreign Trade Statistics
Travel and Business Information
