On 7 January 2026, H.E. Ambassador Zhou Limin paid a farewell call on the Minister-in-Charge of the Kiribati Cabinet, Vice President and Minister of Finance and Economic Development Teuea Toatu.

H. E. Ambassador Zhou expressed gratitude to the Kiribati Government and Vice President Toatu for the facilitation and support provided by the Kiribati side during his term. He noted that under the strategic guidance of the two countries' leaders, political mutual trust between China and Kiribati and fruitful practical cooperation across various fields have continued to deepen. China stands ready to continue sharing the dividends of Chinese modernisation with Kiribati, strengthen mutual beneficial cooperation, and promote bilateral relations to new heights.

Hon. Vice President Toatu highly commended H.E. Ambassador Zhou's contributions to deepening China-Kiribati relations, noting that with joint efforts, the bilateral relationship has set an example for Pacific Island nations in developing relations with China. He expressed sincere gratitude for China's long-standing valuable support for Kiribati's sustainable development. Kiribati will steadfastly uphold the one-China principle, continuously expand exchanges and cooperation across all fields, and advance the steady and enduring bilateral relations to bring more benefit to the two peoples.