The Chargé d’Affaires of the Cook Islands High Commission in Fiji, Antonina Browne, and the Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs of Fiji, Dr Raijeli Taga, recently met in Suva to reiterate the commitment of both countries to strengthening their longstanding bilateral relationship.

The meeting provided an opportunity to reflect on the deep historical ties between the Cook Islands and Fiji and to emphasise a shared commitment to advancing cooperation across a range of bilateral and regional priorities.

Discussions highlighted the importance of renewed focus on the Cook Islands-Fiji Development Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding, signed by Prime Ministers Mark Brown and Sitiveni Rabuka in 2023 during the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting held in Rarotonga, as a framework to guide deeper collaboration.

Strengthening regional connectivity was recognised as fundamental to promoting greater economic resilience, people-to-people links, and shared prosperity across the Pacific. The significance of connectivity in advancing regional solidarity and resilience was acknowledged, particularly as the Pacific navigates evolving regional and global challenges.

In the context of upcoming regional and national milestones, including the Cook Islands' 60th anniversary of self-government later this year, the meeting recognised the opportunity to give renewed impetus to bilateral engagement and identify practical areas of cooperation that reflect the evolving partnership.

The meeting also highlighted the alignment between bilateral efforts and regional priorities, including the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent and broader initiatives to promote regional peace, security, and sustainable development.

A shared view was expressed on the importance of regionalism as central to foreign policy objectives and the need for continued Pacific leadership in shaping regional and international outcomes.

The engagement underscored the value both countries place on regular dialogue, mutual respect, and partnership, and signalled a joint commitment to identifying practical opportunities to enhance the bilateral relationship in the coming period. MFAI