Prime Minister of the Cook Islands, Hon. Mark Brown, met yesterday with Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, Hon. James Marape, on the margins of PNG’s 50th Independence celebrations.
The bilateral meeting reaffirmed the strong friendship between the two nations, built on deep cultural, spiritual, and historic ties. Prime Minister Brown congratulated Prime Minister Marape and the people of Papua New Guinea on their golden jubilee, acknowledging PNG’s achievements in nation-building, economic growth, and regional leadership.
“Our two countries are bound by more than 30 years of diplomatic relations, but also by the legacy of Cook Islands missionaries who first came to villages such as Hanuabada in the 1870s,” said Prime Minister Brown. “That spiritual and cultural connection continues to live on today, and it gives our modern partnership special meaning as we chart the next 50 years together.”
In thanking Prime Minister Brown for accepting the invitation to celebrate with PNG, Prime Minister Marape shared that “We in Papua New Guinea don’t easily forget – we treasure our relationships, and just like we remember the Cook Islands Missionaries who came here, we will also remember your visit here today.”
During the meeting, both Leaders discussed opportunities to deepen cooperation, including:
- Advancing a high-level Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen bilateral ties, first proposed by Papua New Guinea’s High Commissioner to the Cook Islands last year.
- Collaboration in education, sport, health, tourism, and cultural exchange.
- The proposal for a Sister City relationship between Rarotonga and Central Province, following discussions with Governor Hon. Rufina Peter earlier this week.
Prime Minister Brown also acknowledged PNG’s leadership in the Pacific region, congratulating Prime Minister Marape on PNG’s confirmed entry into the National Rugby League in 2028 and automatic qualification for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.
The Cook Islands delegation has joined in a number of commemorative events during PNG’s 50th anniversary, including a combined church service, where the Motu Koitabu sang hymns inspired by Imene Tuki, a tree planting ceremony at Independence Park, and fellowship with the people of Hanuabada.
“From faith to sport, from government to community, our partnership is strong and enduring,” said Prime Minister Brown. “We look forward to continuing to walk alongside Papua New Guinea as brothers and sisters of the Pacific.”
