Like other countries in Oceania, Kiribati is a beneficiary of Cuban medical aid; bilateral relations between Tarawa and Havana must be viewed within the scope of Cuba's regional policy in Oceania.

[2] Cuban doctors have reportedly provided a dramatic improvement to the field of medical care in Kiribati, reducing the child mortality rate in the country by 80%.

[5] In September 2008, I-Kiribati President Anote Tong met Cuban President Raúl Castro in Havana to discuss "mutual friendship and cooperation", thus becoming the first Pacific leader to pay a state visit to Cuba.

[6] Tong was in Havana to attend a multilateral Cuba-Pacific summit, where attendees discussed "strengthening co-operation in health, sports and education", and where Cuba pledged assistance to Pacific Island countries in facing the effects of climate change.

[9] Tong was accompanied by other members of Kiribati's government, with an aim to expand bilateral relations beyond the field of medical aid.