Senior officials from the Cook Islands and Australia gathered in Canberra late last month to advance shared priorities in the second annual Senior Officials Roundtable (SORT) with discussions focusing on strengthening cooperation under the 2022 ‘Oa Tumanava Partnership Agreement.

The Cook Islands and Australia over the last two years have built closer ties across numerous areas, including security and defence, tourism, business, sports, health, education, superannuation portability, and fisheries, as well as in new domains such as seabed minerals, agriculture, community broadcasting, and people-to-people connections.

Secretary of Foreign Affairs & Immigration Tepaeru Herrmann described the talks as productive, highlighting key achievements that have enhanced Cook Islands’ security and prosperity.

Notable developments include upgrades to the Cook Islands Police Service’s Maritime Surveillance Centre and the deployment of the Te Kukupa 2 Guardian-class patrol vessel.

Additionally, Jetstar’s expanded services are set to bring in four direct flights weekly starting in March 2025, adding an estimated 24,000 seats per year, which is expected to boost tourism.

Another milestone was the completion of superannuation portability agreements, enabling Cook Islanders working in Australia to access their savings upon return.

The two nations also committed to ongoing discussions surrounding the Enhanced Pacific Maritime Security Program (PMSP-E) Memorandum of Understanding, which will aid in sustaining the Te Kukupa 2 vessel with onshore support and training initiatives.

Herrmann emphasized Australia’s pivotal role in advancing these cooperative goals through its High Commission in Rarotonga.

“Establishing a Cook Islands High Commission in Canberra could further drive forward our bilateral cooperation,” she added.

The 2021 Australian census found 28,000 Cook Islanders residing in Australia, many of whom contribute significantly to Australia’s economy and society.

Herrmann noted that finalized superannuation portability arrangements would benefit many of these individuals as they look to return to the Cook Islands.

Education, health, sports, and tourism were emphasized as priority sectors for this year’s SORT discussions, aligning with the Cook Islands’ own development objectives.

Further inter-agency discussions between the two countries are expected in the coming months.

This SORT also marked a significant milestone: 30 years of diplomatic relations between the Cook Islands and Australia.

The Cook Islands’ delegation was led by Secretary Herrmann, joined by Secretary of Health Bob Williams, Secretary of Education Owen Lewis, Financial Secretary Garth Henderson, and National Security Director Maara Tetava.

Australia’s delegation included Elizabeth Peak, Head of the Office of the Pacific in Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Australia’s High Commissioner to the Cook Islands Phoebe Smith, and senior officials from Australia’s national security, health, education, and tourism agencies.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Immigration acknowledged DFAT’s Canberra Fellowships Program and High Commissioner Smith’s support leading up to and during the mission, expressing appreciation for the collaboration that continues to strengthen the partnership.