Cook Islands and Tuvalu focus on elevating the priorities of Smaller Island States

Prime Minister Mark Brown today welcomed the Prime Minister of Tuvalu, the Honourable Feleti Teo O.B.E, to Rarotonga as part of official engagements marking the Cook Islands’ 60th anniversary of self-government. Prime Minister Brown expressed deep appreciation for Tuvalu’s presence, and for the support shown in provision of passenger vessel Nivaga III, which played a crucial role in bringing together the people of the Cook Islands. The gesture was recognised as a reflection of the enduring ties and shared aspirations between the two nations.

Prime Minister Teo congratulated Prime Minister Brown on the significant milestone of the Cook Islands 60^th anniversary, and thanked him for the hospitality extended to Tuvalu’s delegation. 

Prime Minister Brown reflected on the importance of the Smaller Island States (SIS) grouping as a collective platform to amplify the specific priorities of the region’s most vulnerable countries, particularly in relation to climate resilience, connectivity, and institutional capacity constraints challenges with which Tuvalu is also familiar with.

In this context, the Leaders also discussed the ongoing Review of the Regional Architecture, updating each other on their respective meetings with the High Level Persons Group as part of regional consultations. Given Prime Minister Teo’s extensive experience in regional governance, including his prior leadership roles across regional institutions, the exchange offered an opportunity to explore how institutional arrangements might better respond to the evolving needs of the Blue Pacific.

With Tuvalu now Chairing the Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) grouping affiliated with the United Nations, discussions also focused on how regional priorities might be more strategically elevated through the PSIDS platform to influence global policy and financing frameworks. Prime Minister Brown reaffirmed the Cook Islands’ support for Tuvalu’s leadership and encouraged deliberate alignment between SIS and PSIDS messaging to capitalise on international momentum and ensure smaller island states remain visible, resourced, and sustained in their pursuit of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.

As preparations continue for the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting later this year, both Prime Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to regional solidarity and to ensuring SIS perspectives are not only heard but drive collective outcomes across the Blue Pacific.