Cook Islands has formalised diplomatic relations with the Government of the State of Kuwait following a signing ceremony in Wellington earlier this month.

The Joint Communiqué was signed by Elizabeth Wright-Koteka, High Commissioner of the Cook Islands to New Zealand, and Ahmad Salem Alwehaib, Ambassador of the State of Kuwait. 

Following the signing ceremony, the Ambassador and High Commissioner exchanged views on areas of mutual cooperation and expressed the desire of their governments to cooperate closely in areas of mutual benefit.

They also expressed the desire for the promotion and strengthening of bonds of friendship and cooperation in the political, economic, tourism and cultural fields.

Establishment of relations with Kuwait marks the 57^th country that the Cook Islands shares diplomatic relations with. Of these, 34 are based in Wellington.

In a statement, High Commissioner Wright-Koteka said: “Amidst a time of great uncertainty and cross-cutting challenges, I’m so pleased that we were able to formalise relations between the Cook Islands and Kuwait.”

“This is a sign that we are slowly returning to business as usual, and it’s a wonderful way to finish what has been a hard year for both countries.”

Ambassador Alwehaib agreed, stating: “We were so happy to finalise the signing of the Joint Communiqué which opens the pathway for mutual support both in national and multilateral affairs and which both countries look forward to further deepening their present level of cooperation to cover all mutual interests.”

“The State of Kuwait and the Cook Islands both support each other together in overcoming the difficulties together in the fight against the pandemic in the face of what our countries had to endure this year.”