More Top Stories
‘Nothing to worry about’: Prime Minister Brown on China agreement
16 February 2025
‘Serious questions’: Opposition challenges China partnership
15 February 2025
No-confidence motion against PM and his Cabinet faces delays
15 February 2025
Ruta Mave: People’s Republic of China red flag
10 February 2025
No debt in China deal
8 February 2025
Thomas Wynne: Haka with the taniwha or dance with the dragon?
8 February 2025
‘Paedophile’ gets 13 years in prison
22 January 2025
Thomas Wynne: Where were our leaders while children suffered?
25 January 2025
$541.7m tourism earnings
25 January 2025
Cook Islands passport proposal
6 January 2025
Top cop position advertised
7 December 2024
Police need numbers and bigger budget
9 December 2024
Niki Rattle: A call for stronger human rights protections
10 December 2024
Solid and Hazardous Waste Bill referred to Parliament committee
10 December 2024
DPM defends CIIC finance and travel policies
6 December 2024
Cook Islands has its first mosque
14 November 2024
CI Muslim opens up about her faith and journey
16 November 2024
RAC to address mosque legality
19 November 2024
I don’t expect much change: PM Brown on US Elections
6 November 2024
Fifth weekly Sydney flight to Rarotonga announced
23 October 2024
CIIC directors seek $350,000 in damages over defamatory claims
21 October 2024
Man found guilty of rape, burglary
24 September 2024
Tenants face water bill burden
8 October 2024
Concerns over Minister’s role in inmate work releases: PAC
5 October 2024
Tourism contribution set to surpass half-billion dollar mark
25 September 2024
Parliament Clerk sparks outrage over deep sea mining statement
23 September 2024
Deep sea dilemma: Cook Islanders weigh the cost of mineral riches
21 September 2024
Anxiety on the rise: Cook Islands faces mental health challenge
7 September 2024
Cook Islands deep sea mining poll sparks controversy
7 September 2024
MCI rejects ‘dark fleet’ label
3 August 2024
Pacific leaders welcomed in traditional Cook Islands style
Saturday 4 November 2023 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Art, Features, National, Pacific Islands Forum
Pacific leaders have started arriving for the 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting starting on Monday. At left: Minister Vaine “Mac” Mokoroa and Deputy Prime Minister Robert Tapaitau (fourth left) welcome the Kingdom of Tonga Prime Minister Siaosi ‘Ofakivahafolau Sovaleni (third left) and Tuvalu Prime Minister Kausea Natano. MELINA ETCHES/23110308
Pacific leaders arriving for the 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting hosted by the Cook Islands are being welcomed at the Rarotonga International Airport in traditional Cook Islands style, with a traditional chant, riveting drum beats, and enchanting dancers.
The Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Tonga, Siaosi 'Ofakivahafolau Sovaleni, and the Prime Minister of Tuvalu, Kausea Natano, landed yesterday via Air New Zealand and were greeted by Deputy Prime Minister Robert Tapaitau and Minister Vaine “Mac” Mokoroa.
Today, the Premier of Niue, Dalton Talagi, the President of French Polynesia, Moetai Brotherson, and the President of Palau, Surangel Whipps Jr, are scheduled to arrive.
The remaining Pacific leaders, including Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, are scheduled to arrive in Rarotonga tomorrow night.