Cook Islands seek stronger ties with Fiji

With Fiji’s growing diplomatic relations both regionally and internationally, the Pacific Island Countries continue to reachout to Fiji with the interest to strengthen their bilateral partnerships. This has been reflected through the recent engagements undertaken between the officials of the Fijian Government and that of the Cook Islands.

The Cook Islands Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Ms Tepaeru Herrmaan today paid a courtesy visit to the Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs Major General (Ret’d) Ioane Naivalurua. The counterparts exchanged information on the ways to forge strengthened collaboration.

Mr. Naivalurua congratulated Ms. Herrman on her successful chairmanship of the Pacific Island Forum Officials Committee. Ms. Hermann’s year-long appointment ended with the Forum’s Budget and Work Program meeting at the Secretariat yesterday as she handed over the reins to the Federated States of Micronesia.

Ms Herrmaan noted Cook Islands interests in its relations with Fiji is broad, something that they would like to explore further. She also discussed the establishment of a diplomatic mission in Fiji. Mr Naivalurua welcomed the Cook Islands intention to establish a mission in Fiji and reassured Ms. Hermann of the Ministry’s commitment to facilitate the process. He further mentioned, the establishment of the mission will significantly serve to strengthen existing relations between the two countries.

The two officials also discussed initiatives around closer collaboration between executive management officials in the Pacific through an organized forum and the need for a platform to nurture the development of the young Pacific leaders.

In October earlier this year, through a formal letter, the Cook Islands Prime Minister Honourable Henry Puna congratulated and expressed gratitude to Hon. Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama for his inspiring leadership and accomplishments in championing the climate change issues at the global front.

Fiji established its official diplomatic relations with Cook Islands since 1998 and Fiji has maintained trading ties with the Cook Islands through the Pacific Islands Countries Trade Agreement (PICTA).