Fiji, Feb. 6 -- Last week, our nation welcomed Australia's Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles. While the visit was exciting for all of Kiribati, it was particularly significant for me. As a newly appointed Cabinet Minister, I was tasked during our Cabinet meeting led by Minister in Charge Alexander Teabo, with the humbling responsibility of greeting DPM Marles at the airport on behalf of our government. Standing on the tarmac at 6:30 am, I prayed that our distinguished guest would feel the warmth of Kiribati's hospitality, and the depths of our gratitude.

What I didn't fully appreciate until this visit, was the magnitude of DPM Marles' own affection for Kiribati. His connection to our islands dates back to 2003, and he spoke warmly of ...