The Cook Islands has reasserted its commitment to work closely with Fiji to expand air and sea connectivity, to promote trade and investment and people to people links.
This was conveyed today at a call on the Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Lesikimacuata Korovavala by the Cook Islands’ Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI), Ms.Tepaeru Herrmann.
The meeting looked at cooperation in the build up to the 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders (PIF) Meeting to be held in the Cook Islands in November.
Dr. Korovavala acknowledged the Cook Islands’ efforts in progressing the work of the Pacific Islands Forum Chair since assuming the role in February, 2023.
He underscored Prime Minister Rabuka’s commitment to regional solidarity and support for Cook Islands in the lead up to the 52nd PIF Leaders meeting.
Dr Korovavala thanked Cook Islands for its support to the Fijian diaspora population there as they will continue to work through transformative initiatives in finalizing the draft Fiji-Cook Islands Strategic Partnership Agreement.
Speaking on regional solidarity, Dr. Korovavala said Fiji looks to the implementation of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, the Review of the Regional Architecture and strengthening of The Council of Regional Organisations in the Pacific (CROP) agencies to ensure greater coherence and alignment of mandates.
During her visit to the Fiji Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ms. Herrmann conveyed the best wishes of the Cook Islands Prime Minister, Honourable Mark Brown to Prime Minister Honourable Sitiveni Rabuka.
She congratulated Dr. Korovavala on assumption of his new role and also reaffirmed Cook Islands continued cooperation with Fiji.
“It was a pleasure to meet Dr. Korovavala so early in his tenure as Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and find convergence in future aspirations for our bilateral and regional collaboration.
“Our Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration have over the last couple of years strengthened bilateral and regional co-operation with Fiji Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the opening of our High Commission in Suva in 2020 is testament to our investment in growing our partnership with Fiji,” Ms. Herrmann said.
She expressed her gratitude to Dr. Korovavala for the discussions they had on issues of mutual importance to the two nations.
“My discussions with Dr. Korovavala this morning has affirmed our shared continued determination to expand air and sea connectivity which will support growth in trade, business and people to people links,” Ms. Herrmann said.
A bilateral cooperation agreement which is currently under negotiation between the two countries will take our cooperation to newer heights.
