Fiji and Cook Islands aim to enhance engagements at bilateral and regional level

The Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Dr Raijeli Taga received a courtesy call from the Cook Islands High Commission Chargé d’Affaires Ms. Antonina Browne.

The meeting was convened at the Ministry’s headquarters in Suva to discuss ongoing and potential opportunities for collaboration. It also highlighted the avenues to deepen bilateral engagements via the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Development Cooperation signed in November 2023.

Dr Taga in her remarks acknowledged the ongoing bilateral cooperation and shared commitment to regional peace, security and prosperity. She highlighted the objectives of Fiji’s Foreign Policy White Paper that places the Pacific Family at the centre of Fiji’s foreign policy outlook.

Further, Dr Taga affirmed that the Ministry looks forward to working closely with the Cook Islands High Commission in Suva on the implementation of the MOU on Development Cooperation that aligns to the national priorities of the two nations. The MOU covers collaboration in a wide range of fields including economic growth, trade and investment, health, education, defence and security, climate change and oceans.

She also acknowledged the former High Commissioner of Cook Islands to Fiji, Mr Alan Armistead who successfully completed his diplomatic duties and conveyed her well wishes for his future endeavors.

Additionally, the discussions acknowledged the contributions of the Fijian diaspora in Cook Islands and the Cook Islands diaspora in Fiji, outlining the opportunities for more engagements in the future.

In response, CDA Browne thanked Dr Taga and her team for their continued support and reaffirmed Cook Islands commitment to further deepen the levels of engagement. She shared insights on how best the two nations can navigate through common challenges and optimize the opportunities ahead.