The Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Lenora Qereqeretabua met with the Cook Islands Prime Minister and Forum Chair, Hon. Mark Brown.
It was an opportunity to discuss the way forward in building stronger partnership between Fiji and Cook Islands cooperation at the regional and global level.
The deliberations included cooperation in the lead up to upcoming 52nd Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders Meeting to be held in Cook Islands from November 6 to 10, with the theme: Our Voices, Our Choices, Our Pacific Way: Promote, Partner, Prosper.
It also highlighted work in progress to finalise the new Development Cooperation Agreement (DCA) to elevate the economic cooperation, air transportation connectivity, trade, tourism, labour mobility and address climate change.
Upon finalization, the DCA is anticipated to be signed formally by the leaders of Fiji and Cook Islands at the Forum Leaders Meeting this November.
Prospects to enhance air connectivity with the Cook Islands through direct flights and collaboration in trade and tourism, was also discussed.
Hon. Qereqeretabua acknowledged Hon. Brown for his role as the Chair of the Forum and reaffirmed Fiji’s continued support to the Cook Islands as it prepares to host the upcoming Forum Leaders meeting.
Fiji is working closely with the Forum family towards the implementation of the 2050 Strategy of the Blue Pacific Continent.
Hon. Brown thanked Fiji for hosting the 2023 FFMM and also welcomed Fiji’s unwavering support towards the upcoming Forum Leaders Meeting, to address key priority areas for the Pacific region particularly the implementation of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific, economic development and climate resilience in the region.
The meeting took place at the margins of 2023 Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting (FFMM) held at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) in Suva on Friday 15/9/23.
