Cook Islands and the Republic of Azerbaijan formalised diplomatic relations last month through an exchange of diplomatic notes between the respective Permanent Missions to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

The exchange of notes builds on recent engagements between Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown and Mukhtar Babayev, then Azerbaijani Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, who met in August 2024, within the margins of the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Tonga and again in November, when Azerbaijan hosted the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP29 in Baku.

In a statement, the Cook Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration said Azerbaijan’s foreign policy emphasises regional stability and cooperation, particularly through membership in organisations such as the United Nations, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and the Organisation of Turkic States.

Azerbaijan has engaged with Pacific nations through broader international initiatives, notably during its 2024 COP Presidency and by signing a joint declaration with the Commonwealth Secretariat to enhance climate action in vulnerable regions, including Small Island Developing States, the statement added. These efforts highlight Azerbaijan’s commitment to global climate governance and its willingness to support sustainable development initiatives beyond its immediate region.

Foreign Secretary Tepaeru Herrmann said: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) welcomes the establishment of diplomatic relations with Azerbaijan and looks forward to working closely to advance our shared interests and build bridges of understanding and partnership.”

“This partnership will open doors for cooperation and mutual growth as we pursue our national interests, as articulated in the National Sustainable Development Agenda 2020+ Te Kaveinga Nui 2020+.”

According to MFAI, the Cook Islands remains committed to strengthening and broadening its diplomatic ties and building genuine partnerships with members of the international community, with a view to promoting both bilateral cooperation as well as collaboration at the regional and international levels. These efforts aim to deliver tangible benefits in security, prosperity, and development for the people of the Cook Islands.

MFAI officials will continue working with their Azerbaijani counterparts to deepen cooperation and step up collaboration in the months ahead, with Azerbaijan becoming the 69th partner to establish diplomatic relations with the Cook Islands.