Diplomatic Envoys from the Republic of France, the Republic of Korea and the State of Kuwait, will visit Rarotonga this week to present their letters of credence to King’s Representative, Sir Tom Marsters, during a ceremony facilitated by Te Kauono Tutara e te Mana Tiaki – Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI).

Diplomatic Envoys include Laurence Beau, Ambassador for the Republic of France, Kim Changsik, Ambassador Extraordinary and

Plenipotentiary for the Republic of Korea and Ahmad Salem Alwehaib,

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary for the State of Kuwait.

Ambassador Beau will be accompanied by Joint Commander of the

French Armed Forces in French Polynesia, Rear Admiral Geoffroy d’Andigne, with Ambassador Changsik accompanied by a small delegation from the Republic of Korea including government officials.

During their visit, all three Ambassadors will meet with Prime Minister Mark

Brown, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) Secretary Tepaeru Herrmann as well as other government, business, and civil society representatives.

“We are pleased to be able to receive these visits by Diplomatic Envoys for the Republic of France, the Republic of Korea and the State of Kuwait,” said MFAI director of the International and Trade Division, Mackenzi Wichman. 

“There is no substitute for in person engagement in the realm of diplomacy, particularly for countries separated by vast distances.”

Cook Islands established diplomatic relations with the Republic of France in 2000, the Republic of Korea in 2013 and the State of Kuwait in 2021. The Cook Islands have co-operated with the Republic of France, the State of Kuwait, and the Republic of Korea on various development initiatives in areas of mutual interest.

Cook Islands and the Republic of Korea will also be co-hosting a reception to celebrate 10 Years of Diplomatic Relations between our two nations.

• MFAI