Chile and Cuba share longstanding ties with the Pacific region, and an accreditation ceremony for both countries was held last week reflecting the Cook Islands’ commitment to enhancing its diplomatic and cooperative relations with both nations.

Since establishing diplomatic relations with the Cook Islands in 2016, Chile has engaged in Pacific dialogue and partnership, particularly as a Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Dialogue Partner since 2021, with a focus on regional sustainability and climate action.

Cuba and the Cook Islands, which first established diplomatic relations in 2002, have fostered cooperation over the years, most notably in health and education.

Cuba’s support in providing medical training for Cook Islands students underscores the shared commitment to capacity-building and human development.

As a PIF Dialogue Partner since 2012, Cuba engages with Pacific Island states on shared concerns, especially on issues affecting Small Island Developing States (SIDS), including climate resilience and sustainable development.

Acting-secretary of Foreign Affairs and Immigration and director of the Pacific and Regional Affairs division Teuru Passfield welcomed both Ambassadors ahead of their accreditation.

She expressed the Cook Islands’ condolences to H.E. Rodriguez for the impacts caused in Cuba by recent Hurricanes Milton and Rafael.

Passfield also highlighted the Cook Islands’ continued interest in expanding cooperation with both countries in the areas of health service delivery, disaster response, climate resilience, and technology, as well as exploring how the Cook Islands can benefit from Chile’s growing trade, tourism, and people to people links with neighbouring New Zealand and French Polynesia.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) will continue to work closely with Cook Islands line agencies and business entities and through missions in Wellington to deepen ties and build on the foundations set by this formal accreditation. MFAI