Prime Minister Mark Brown welcomed His Excellency Aren B. Palik, Vice President of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), to Rarotonga this weekend for his first visit to the Cook Islands. The bilateral meeting was held in the lead-up to the Cook Islands’ 60th anniversary of self-governance.
The meeting reaffirmed the warm and enduring ties between the Cook Islands and FSM and underscored a shared commitment to advancing regional cooperation, particularly through the Smaller Island States (SIS) platform.
As current Chair of the SIS grouping, FSM plays a central role in advocating for the development priorities of the region’s most vulnerable countries. Prime Minister Brown acknowledged FSM’s leadership and reiterated the Cook Islands’ support for strengthening SIS cohesion and influence within the broader regional architecture. Similarly, Vice President Palik thanked Prime Minister Brown for his leadership as immediate past Chair of the grouping.
The two leaders reflected on recent consultations by the High-Level Persons Group, commissioned by Pacific Islands Forum members to lead Phase Three of the Review of the Regional Architecture. While acknowledging that existing regional systems have delivered value in some areas, they agreed that the unique development needs of Smaller Island States have too often been overlooked within the broader regional agenda. Both leaders reaffirmed the importance of a regional architecture that is inclusive by design, responsive to the diverse realities of all Pacific countries, particularly those most vulnerable, and not constrained by donor-driven models or externally imposed benchmarks.
“Smaller Island States may be small in landmass and population, but we remain steadfast as stewards of large ocean spaces and carry the weight of many challenges. From rising seas and constrained resources to the less tangible pressures of underrepresentation and geopolitical complexity. It is precisely through navigating these realities that we offer unique leadership and contribute towards sustainable development: driving innovation, championing resilience, and shaping approaches that others across the region can also benefit from. As a fellow SIS member, the Cook Islands stands in firm solidarity with our counterparts in ensuring that SIS priorities are not just acknowledged, but embedded in the core of regional decision-making, and actioned with unity to shape a Blue Pacific future that is resilient, inclusive, and responsive to those most in need.”
In discussing ways to address these challenges, Prime Minister Brown briefed Vice President Palik on recent seabed minerals exploration and marine scientific research conducted within the Cook Islands’ exclusive economic zone. He emphasised the Cook Islands Government’s considered approach to the assessing alternative economic opportunities that support long-term sustainability and resilience.
As the Cook Islands and FSM continue to collaborate on shared priorities, this meeting reflects a renewed spirit of partnership anchored in mutual respect, regional solidarity, and a common ambition to shape a resilient and prosperous future for both our peoples.
