Cook Islands and Japan reaffirm strong partnership during Ambassador’s visit

Prime Minister the Honourable Mark Brown met with His Excellency Makoto Osawa, Ambassador of Japan to the Cook Islands, and senior officials from the Japanese Embassy in Wellington, during a bilateral engagement held on Tuesday, 5 August 2025 in Rarotonga.

The Cook Islands and Japan share common goals and aspirations which were appropriately articulated at the 10^th Japan-Pacific Islands Leaders meeting in 2024 where the Leaders emphasized the primacy of global peace and stability and reaffirmed the importance of shared values and principles, such as freedom, democracy, sustainable development, the rule of law, human rights, human dignity, the peaceful resolution of disputes, and respect for environmental integrity.

During their bilateral discussions, Ambassador Osawa congratulated Prime Minister Brown and the people of the Cook Islands on the milestone of 60 years of self-government.  He reaffirmed the warm and friendly relationship shared between the two countries over the past 14 years and expressed Japan’s continued commitment to strengthening cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

The meeting also included discussion on the inter-island shipping vessel, which the Cook Islands secured funding for in 2023 through Japan’s Economic and Social Development Programme (ESDP). The shipping vessel will play a vital role in strengthening transport links between Rarotonga and the Pa Enua, supporting livelihoods and enhancing local economic activity.  The vessel is scheduled to arrive in the Cook Islands in early 2026.

Prime Minister Brown expressed his “sincere appreciation for Japan’s ongoing support for the Cook Islands’ development needs.  He acknowledged that the ESDP funding has enabled the country to secure the much-needed inter-island vessel, which will benefit many communities across the Pa Enua”.

Japan has contributed significantly to community level projects through the Japanese Grassroots Grant funding programme. There have also been numerous initiatives that strengthen people to people connections as well as over 230 training opportunities for Cook Islanders.

Prime Minister Brown also reaffirmed the importance the Cook Islands places on its relationship with Japan, noting that Ambassador Osawa’s visit during the nation’s 60th anniversary celebrations is a meaningful reflection of the strong and growing ties between the two countries.