Cook Islands and Republic of Ecuador formalised diplomatic relations this week, marking the South American country as the 66th diplomatic partner of the Cook Islands.

The signing was held at the Cook Islands High Commission in Wellington, between Cook Islands High Commissioner Kairangi Samuela and Ecuador Ambassador Victor Arturo Cabrera Hidalgo, who is resident in Canberra, Australia.

In addition to the signing of a Joint Communiqué establishing diplomatic relations, the Cook Islands Ministry of Marine Resources signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen Cook Islands fisheries cooperation with the Republic of Ecuador.

In a statement, the High Commissioner said this agreement expands on previous informal collaboration between the Ministry of Marine Resources and the Ministry of Production, Foreign Trade Investment, and Fisheries of the Republic of Ecuador to strengthen their engagement in the regional fisheries arena.

In her opening remarks, High Commissioners Samuela stated, “We recognise the importance of strengthening our diplomatic partnerships to strengthen our voice, participation, and influence. We are delighted to welcome the Republic of Ecuador as our new partner and look forward to further cooperation.”

The statement adds Cook Islands look forward to developing cooperation with the Republic of Ecuador in sectors such as fisheries, oceans management and people-to-people connections.