The Cook Islands and French Polynesia continue to deepen cooperation, convening the first technical meeting to review the Air Services Agreement (ASA) and further progress its development.

Chaired by the Cook Islands, the technical meeting held on April 17 underscores a shared commitment - by both the Government of the Cook Islands and the Government of French Polynesia, on behalf of the French Republic - to enhance air connectivity and strengthen longstanding ties between the two Polynesian neighbours.

Once finalised, the ASA will establish the legal framework for air transport links between the Cook Islands and French Polynesia, supporting increased opportunities in tourism, trade, and people-to-people exchanges.

This initiative builds on a rich history of collaboration and reflects both countries’ vision for broader regional cooperation and connectivity.

Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, Tepaeru Herrmann, welcomed the progress, stating: “This Air Services Agreement further solidifies connectivity between the Cook Islands and French Polynesia and extends access to other ports beyond these points.

“In addition to formalising the air links between our countries, the ASA serves as a catalyst to further enhance cooperation between state and non-state actors and opens further opportunities for trade, investment, and people-to-people exchanges.

“In consequence, these pathways for partnership have the potential to contribute towards our shared development aspirations, and we look forward to seeing these come to fruition in the coming months.”

The technical discussions for the ASA began with a review of statutory requirements, confirming both parties’ readiness to formalise the agreement. Delegations then focused on aligning the draft ASA with national legal frameworks and aviation regulations, ensuring the agreement facilitates mutual benefit and supports long-term development priorities.

French Polynesia was represented in person by Marangai Moeroa, Director of the Direction de l’Aviation Civile, and Mr Manaiva Sage, Air Transport Manager within the Département Politiques Publiques, Direction de l’Aviation Civile, with other delegates participating virtually.

The Cook Islands delegation, led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI), worked in partnership with the Ministry of Transport and the Crown Law Office, consulting relevant line agencies to ensure the ASA supports national development objectives and the interests of the wider community.

Both governments also continue to liaise closely with current air service providers to ensure the ASA supports expanded service delivery.

This meeting marks the continuation of ASA negotiations, initiated in 2022 and rejuvenated in 2024 on direction of Prime Minister Mark Brown and French Polynesian President Moetai Brotherson. The renewed focus on air services coincides with the role that direct flights between Rarotonga and Pape’ete have played in the Cook Islands and broader regional tourism recovery and economic revitalisation, further strengthened by the recently announced codeshare partnership between Air Rarotonga and Air Tahiti Nui.

A second technical meeting is scheduled to take place in the coming month, with both governments aiming to conclude the ASA ahead of the Cook Islands Constitution celebrations in August. MFAI