Reliant delivers disaster-relief stores to Kiribati

Australian Defence Vessel (ADV) Reliant delivered humanitarian assistance and disaster relief stores as part of the whole-of-government response to drought in Kiribati.

CAPTION: Australian Defence Vessel Reliant alongside at Betio Port in Kiribati to unload disaster relief stores. Story by Petty Officer Jake Badior. Photo by Lieutenant Commander BJ Glover.

In a demonstration of friendship and close ties between partner nations, the official exchange took place between the Vice President of the Republic of Kiribati, Dr Teuea Toatu, and the Australian and New Zealand High Commissioners to Kiribati.

Dr Toatu said Kiribati was deeply grateful to the governments of Australia and New Zealand for their timely response.

“This handing-over ceremony is further testimony to the heightened collaboration and commitment by our development partners, which we believe will only grow stronger going forward,” Dr Toatu said.

“Let us continue to work hand-in-hand to make progress in our development, cooperation and aspirations for our countries and peoples.”

Australian High Commissioner to Kiribati David Yardley said it was an honour to build on the strong and historical bonds between Kiribati and Australia.

“This reflects at a deeper level the true and lasting partnership of our nations and our people stretching back to the time of Kiribati’s independence,” Mr Yardley said.

“We extend the hand of friendship through current and future challenges, and we draw on our deep and lasting partnership to support Kiribati.”

Reliant delivers an enduring capability in the Pacific, better enabling Australia to respond to Pacific partners’ needs and requests.

The 102-metre long vessel expands the range of Australia’s support across the region, including humanitarian assistance, search and rescue, maritime surveillance, transport of essential cargo and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

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