FOREIGN
RELATIONS
Following
independence in 1968, Nauru joined the Commonwealth as a Special
Member. Special Members take part in all Commonwealth activities
except heads of government meetings. They are not assessed but
make voluntary contributions toward the running of the Secretariat.
They are eligible for all forms of technical assistance.
Nauru
was admitted to the United Nations in 1999. It is a member of
the Pacific Islands Forum, the South Pacific Regional Environmental
Programme, the South Pacific Commission, and the South Pacific
Applied Geoscience Commission.
In 2001 at Australia's request, Nauru became host to approximately 1,200 asylum seekers, mostly Afghan, who were intercepted while attempting to enter Australia illegally. By mid-2006, only a single Iraqi refugee remained on the island. In September 2006, Australia effectively re-opened the center by transferring seven Burmese asylum seekers there for assessment. In March 2007, Australia transferred 82 Sri Lankan refugees to Nauru. In exchange for housing the refugees, Australia provided Nauru with extensive grants and aid. However, in February 2008, the Australian Government closed the detention center in Nauru and the remaining 21 Sri Lankan asylum seekers were transferred to Australia.
During 2002 Nauru severed diplomatic recognition with Taiwan and signed an agreement to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China. This move followed China's promise to provide more than U.S. $130 million in aid. In May 2005, Nauru re-established diplomatic ties with Taiwan, ending its relationship with China. Taiwan and Australia have the only diplomatic missions on Nauru. In March 2007, Nauru established an embassy in Taipei.
U.S.-NAURU
RELATIONS
Relations between the United States and Nauru are cordial. The U.S. has no consular or diplomatic offices in Nauru. Officers of the American Embassy in Suva, Fiji, are concurrently accredited to Nauru and make periodic visits.
Trade between the United States and Nauru is limited by the latter's small size and economic problems. The value of two-way trade in 2007 was $8.726 million.
Principal U.S. Embassy Officials
Ambassador—C. Steven McGann
Deputy Chief of Mission—Richard K. Pruett
Political/Economic/Commercial Affairs--Vacant
Consul--Debra J. Towry
Management Officer--Ila S. Jurisson
The U.S. Embassy at Suva, Fiji, also accredited to Nauru, is located at 31 Loftus Street, Suva (tel: 679-331-4466; fax 679-330-2267). The mailing address is U.S. Embassy, P.O. Box 218, Suva, Fiji.
