Prime Minister Mark Brown has concluded a constructive and forward-looking meeting with Australia’s Minister for International Development and Pacific Island Affairs, Hon. Pat Conroy MP, building on recent dialogue including a phone call between Minister Conroy and Cook Islands Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Tingika Elikana, last week.
Held in Sydney, the bilateral engagement reaffirmed the strength of the Cook Islands–Australia partnership and highlighted key areas of cooperation critical to regional security, prosperity, and sustainability. Guided by the shared aspirations outlined in the ‘Oa Tumanava partnership agreement, which provide a blueprint for cooperation.
“Our discussions today were grounded in shared values and mutual respect, and reaffirmed Australia’s continued leadership and consistency in its engagement across the Pacific,” said Prime Minister Brown. “We look forward to strengthening our bilateral collaboration as we collectively respond to opportunities and challenges facing our Blue Pacific continent.”
The meeting, which followed Australia’s successful federal election, offered Prime Minister Brown the opportunity to personally congratulate Minister Conroy and the Australian Government, and to signal the Cook Islands’ full support for Australia’s proposal to host a future Pacific COP (Conference of the Parties), a regional climate summit that would foreground Pacific priorities on the global stage.
“Australia’s bid to host a Pacific COP is a clear recognition of the existential threat climate change poses to our region,” Prime Minister Brown noted. “The Cook Islands supports this initiative wholeheartedly, and we see it as an opportunity to ensure Pacific voices are not only heard but are leading global climate conversations.”
Among the key issues discussed was the Te Kukupa II, the Cook Islands’ Guardian-class patrol boat provided by Australia under the Pacific Maritime Security Program (PMSP). The vessel and its crew have completed advanced training in Australia to enhance their capability to support Cook Islands maritime surveillance and border security.
“The Kukupa patrol vessel remains a symbol of our enduring partnership with Australia,” said Prime Minister Brown. “Its role in deterring illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing protects our ocean resources and upholds the sovereignty of our vast maritime territory.”
Tourism cooperation also featured prominently, with both leaders welcoming the growing number of Australian visitors to the Cook Islands. Prime Minister Brown noted the strong performance of new direct air links, including the Jetstar service, providing vital support to the Cook Islands’ post-COVID economic recovery.
“Our tourism sector is rebounding with strength, and Australia is a key part of that story. Increased connectivity, positive visitor feedback, and eased travel protocols are helping to drive new momentum,” he said.
This engagement forms part of a broader strategic dialogue the Cook Islands is advancing with Australia and other Pacific partners as the region prepares for upcoming high-level forums and the Cook Islands’ own 60th anniversary of self-governance.
“As we celebrate six decades of self-governance this year, our focus is on resilience, regional unity, and strategic cooperation,” Prime Minister Brown said. “Our meeting today demonstrates that the Cook Islands and Australia are aligned in vision and committed to action.”
