The Cook Islands on Monday unveiled the details of a deal with China to boost cooperation on matters including trade and investment, tourism, and ocean science. The deal was unveiled by the Cook Islands prime minister Mark Brown who have engaged in critical discussions with leading institutions in marine science during his recent state visit to China.
Cook Islands prime minister Mark Brown met recently with the Chinese premier Li Qiang in Harbin where the two leaders committed to strengthening their bilateral relationship through the re-iteration of shared partnership principles and the articulation of priority areas for future co-operation.
These conversations have opened the door to new areas of collaboration which spans in areas from trade and investment to tourism, ocean science, agriculture, and infrastructure including transport.
To mark 28 years of diplomatic relations, both countries have agreed to commit to an action plan outlining a comprehensive strategic partnership that identifies a framework of priority areas within the bilateral relationship.
The strategic partnership for the next five years between the two governments builds on historical co-operation between the Cook Islands and China since 1997 and sets out a structured framework for future engagement in areas of priority interests.
During the state visit, which was the first state visit by a Cook Islands prime minister to China in the last decade, a five-year Action Plan 2025-2030 was agreed.
“I know there has been strong interest in the outcomes of this visit, and I want to reassure our people that every conversation is being guided by what is best for the Cook Islands, ensuring that our partnerships support economic growth, environmental sustainability, and national sovereignty,” reads the statement of the office of the Cook Islands prime minister.
The high-level meeting was the pinnacle of a weeklong state visit to China by prime minister Brown and his delegation which involved engagements with various institutions and industry leaders to exchange views, garner insights and explore possible future collaborations.
“I had very positive discussions with Premier Li and the signing of our Action Plan for the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This provides opportunities for our government, our private sector and our people to benefit from enhanced partnership opportunities with China in areas aligned with our national interests and long-term development goals,” said Brown.
