FOREIGN
RELATIONS
Tuvalu
maintains an independent but generally pro-Western foreign policy.
It maintains close relations with Fiji and Australia. It has diplomatic
relations with the Republic of China; Taipei maintains the only
resident embassy in Tuvalu and has a large assistance program
in the islands. No U.S. diplomats are resident in Tuvalu, but
U.S. diplomats based in Fiji also are accredited to Tuvalu and
visit there regularly.
Tuvalu became a member of
United Nations in 2000 and maintains a mission at the UN in New
York. Tuvalu's only other diplomatic office is its High Commission
in Suva, Fiji. Tuvalu is an active member of the Pacific Islands
Forum. It also is a member of the Asian Development Bank.
A major international priority for Tuvalu in the UN and other international fora has been promoting concern about global warming and possible sea level rise. Tuvalu advocates ratification and implementation of the Kyoto Protocol.
Principal U.S. Embassy Officials
Ambassador--Larry M. Dinger
Deputy Chief of Mission--Ted A. Mann
Political/Economic/Commercial Affairs--Brian J. Siler
Consul--Debra J. Towry
Management Officer--Ila S. Jurisson
The U.S. Embassy in Fiji, also accredited to Tuvalu, is located at 31 Loftus Street, Suva. Tel: 679-331-4466. Fax: 679-330-0081. The mailing address is U.S. Embassy, P.O. Box 218, Suva, Fiji.
