As the Cook Islands approaches 60 years of self-governance, Prime Minister Mark Brown has reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to expanding its global and regional engagement through strengthened diplomatic ties, regional leadership, and practical partnerships that deliver for the people of the Cook Islands.
In recent weeks, the Government has advanced a series of key bilateral and regional initiatives aimed at enhancing connectivity, boosting trade and labour mobility, and deepening collaboration on climate resilience, development, and regional security.
“As a Pacific nation and large oceanic state, we are proud of the relationships we have built and the partnerships we continue to pursue, each one founded on mutual respect, shared values, and the pursuit of sustainable, inclusive development,” said Prime Minister Brown.
In April, the Cook Islands formalised diplomatic relations with the Republic of Azerbaijan, marking the country’s 69th diplomatic partnership. This builds on engagement between Prime Minister Brown and Azerbaijani officials during the 2024 Pacific Islands Forum and COP29. The new partnership opens pathways for collaboration in climate governance, sustainable development, and international cooperation aligned with the Cook Islands’ National Sustainable Development Agenda.
The Cook Islands and French Polynesia have also made significant progress toward finalising a bilateral Air Services Agreement, following the first technical meeting held in Rarotonga on 17 April. The agreement is expected to support greater air connectivity, tourism, and trade between the two countries.
“This agreement will help bring our communities closer and unlock economic opportunities that benefit both of our nations. It is a practical investment in our shared prosperity,” said Prime Minister Brown.
Prime Minister Brown also met with Forum Troika counterparts, including Prime Ministers Rabuka of Fiji, Manele of the Solomon Islands, and Eke of Tonga, in the margins of the recent Troika Leaders Meeting in Nadi. These meetings reaffirmed the Cook Islands’ commitment to advancing South-South cooperation, shared regional priorities, and solidarity across the Pacific.
Key outcomes included a renewed commitment to implementing the Cook Islands–Fiji Development Cooperation Agreement, initial discussions on healthcare labour mobility collaboration with the Solomon Islands, and agreement with Tonga on continued joint efforts to address economic resilience, workforce challenges, and transport constraints.
All three Leaders were invited to attend the Cook Islands’ 60th anniversary celebrations in August, an opportunity to showcase the strength and unity of Pacific partnerships in action.
“We are not navigating these global and regional challenges alone. The Pacific is strongest when we stand together. Our partnerships are not transactional, they are transformative and enduring,” said Prime Minister Brown.
These recent developments reflect the Government’s foreign policy approach, grounded in respect for sovereignty, regionalism, and practical cooperation..
“Our international partnerships are about expanding opportunities while protecting our values. They reflect who we are as a nation and the future we are building for generations to come,” said Prime Minister Brown.
