RAROTONGA (RNZ PACIFIC) — Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown says he is aware of the strong interest in the outcomes of his visit to China.
The New Zealand government said that the Cook Islands failed to properly consult it on proposed agreements that Brown will be signing in Beijing this week.
Brown’s visit to China has ignited debate, both locally and regionally, about the relationship between the Cook Islands and New Zealand.
RNZ Pacific understands Cook Islands government ministers also remain in the dark about when a controversial “comprehensive partnership agreement” will be signed in Beijing, but the island’s Foreign Minister Tingika Elikana told Cook Islands News that Brown has the full support of his Cabinet ministers.
In a statement on Thursday, Brown said he would be sharing more details on the visit “in the coming days”.
“I want to reassure our people that every conversation is being guided by what is best for the Cook Islands – ensuring that our partnerships support economic growth, environmental sustainability, and national sovereignty,” Brown said.
“Over the past few days, we have engaged in critical discussions with leading institutions in marine science, climate resilience, and economic cooperation,” he said.
These conversations have opened the door to new areas of collaboration, including:
– Expanding our marine research capabilities through partnerships with the China Ocean Sample Repository and the National Deep Sea Centre, bringing new expertise to our ongoing efforts in deep-sea exploration and sustainable ocean management.
– Exploring aquaculture opportunities with Qingdao Frontier Ocean Seed Company, with a focus on developing sustainable aquaculture in the Pa Enua, strengthening the pearl farming industry through breeding programmes, and advancing oyster and clam propagation suited to our lagoon temperatures.
– Enhancing our national climate resilience efforts, particularly in weather forecasting and climate change adaptation, through cooperation with global experts.
Brown said the Cook Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) and the Seabed Minerals Authority (SBMA) would provide further updates today (Thursday NZ time) on the details of meetings, including specific opportunities in the blue economy, scientific research, and trade development.
“This is an important journey for the Cook Islands, and I look forward to sharing more in the coming days as we finalise key agreements,” Brown said…. PACNEWS
FIJI – SECURITY: FIJI GOVT PACNEWS 1: Thu 13 Feb 2025
Fiji’s PM to highlight Pacific’s security challenges at Munich Security Conference
SUVA, 13 FEBRUARY 2025 (FIJI GOVT) — Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka will attend the annual Munich Security Conference in Germany this week, where he is expected to advocate for the Pacific region’s unique security challenges on the global stage.
The 61st Munich Security Conference is the world’s leading forum on international security policy and will bring together more than 450 participants, including heads of state, ministers, and leading personalities of non-governmental organisations, to name just a few.
The conference will focus on pressing global issues such as global security challenges, global governance, democratic resilience, and climate security.
As the only Pacific leader invited to the high-level conference, Prime Minister Rabuka aims to elevate the Pacific’s voice on critical issues including regional and maritime security, climate change as a security threat, and the Ocean of Peace Concept which will promote the Pacific as a zone of peace and stability amid growing geopolitical tensions.
The Prime Minister hopes that the conference will also be an opportunity to call for partnerships to ensure the security of Pacific waters, vital trade routes, and maritime sovereignty.
Further, he will use the global platform to highlight Fiji’s role in global security and geopolitics, as well as our contributions to global peace and defense.
The Prime Minister asserted that he is looking forward to attending the conference for a time of meaningful dialogue with world leaders, captains of industry and partners, and at the same time, emphasise Fiji’s commitment to international cooperation and collective action in addressing security challenges…. PACNEWS