Fiji and the Cook Islands have reaffirmed their commitment to closer cooperation following high-level talks in Suva last week between Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Lenora Qereqeretabua and Cook Islands Foreign Affairs and Immigration Minister Tingika Elikana.
The meeting underscored the warm friendship between the two Pacific neighbours and their shared vision for regional peace and prosperity.
Central to the discussions was the implementation of the Development Cooperation Agreement (DCA) signed in 2023, with a focus on boosting trade and investment, strengthening air and sea connectivity, enhancing labour mobility and supporting diaspora communities.
Assistant Minister Qereqeretabua commended the Cook Islands for its continued collaboration, stressing that the partnership has significant potential to expand in key areas of development.
She also thanked the Cook Islands for inviting Fiji to take part in the 60th Constitution Day celebrations in Rarotonga last week, describing her participation as “an honour” and a symbol of the two nations’ growing ties.
In turn, Minister Elikana praised the cooperation between Fiji and the Cook Islands, pledging to build further on the relationship through sustained dialogue and joint initiatives.
The talks concluded with a commemorative tree planting at Thurston Gardens in Suva, held to mark the Cook Islands’ 60th anniversary of self-government. The ceremony was described as a gesture of enduring friendship and a commitment to work together for the benefit of both nations.
