Hon. Ditoka Receives Courtesy Call From The Cook Islands High Commissioner to Fiji

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Hon. Sakiasi Ditoka, received a courtesy call from the Cook Islands High Commissioner to Fiji, His Excellency Michael John Henry, at the Parliament Government Chambers on Friday (2 October 2026).

Minister Ditoka congratulated the High Commissioner on his appointment and described the relationship between the two countries as being grounded in a common Pacific identity and strong people-to-people ties. He said the Cook Islands High Commission in Suva provides both countries with a stronger platform for engagement and looked forward to building on the Memorandum of Understanding on Development Cooperation in areas such trade, tourism and labour mobility.

Hon. Ditoka also welcomed the appointment of Fiji’s first Honorary Consul, Mr. Wayne Insimo. He acknowledged the contributions of the Fijian diaspora community based in the Cook Islands and the need for continued discussions between the two countries to address issues affecting Fijian workers.

On regional issues, Minister Ditoka said Pacific priorities must be set by the Pacific, with solidarity and unity at the centre. Fiji welcomed the Cook Islands Prime Minister and delegation to the Pacific Pre-COP31 ahead of COP31.

High Commissioner Henry thanked the Minister for the warm welcome and said he was honoured to serve in Fiji, a country he has known through family and visits over the years. He highlighted the role of the Suva mission translating the longstanding goodwill between the two countries into practical outcomes and noted the economic opportunities available between the two countries, as well as the potential for leveraging regional and international opportunities.