Ambassador Jana Tyrer of the Czech Republic formally presented her Letters of Credence to the Cook Islands Head of State, Sir Tom Marsters, Representative of King Charles III, on Wednesday last week.

During bilateral meetings with Cook Islands Foreign Minister Tingika Elikana and Foreign Secretary Tepaeru Herrmann, Ambassador Tyrer underscored the Czech Republic’s commitment to multilateral frameworks, emphasising values of democracy, rule of law, human rights and climate resilience.

Discussions explored potential future bilateral co-operation in aviation, meteorology, cybersecurity and capacity building; regional cooperation through the Samoa Agreement modality; and in multilateral fora through the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the World Health Organisation (WHO), the International Civil Aviation Authority (ICAO) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).

While the Cook Islands and the Czech Republic established diplomatic relations in 2008, it’s been some years since the last visit by a Czech envoy, with engagements over the years taking place via virtual platforms or at regional and multilateral meetings held beyond the Cook Islands.

Secretary Herrmann said: “Geographic distance is a tyranny in strengthening collaboration with the Czech Republic, so Ambassador Tyrer’s visit was a welcome opportunity to better understand each other’s interests and where and how we might mutually benefit from collaboration in the months ahead.”

“In addition to issues of interest to the Czech Republic, Ambassador Tyrer’s visit was a useful opportunity to receive an in-person update and insights into some of the current preoccupations of the European Union and its member states, including as they relate to the situation in the Ukraine, and to share the Cook Islands perspectives on Pacific priorities.”

Discussions with Foreign Minister Elikana centered on connectivity and strengthening regional partnerships to enhance aviation safety and connectivity, aligning with the Cook Islands’ focus on sustainable development and global partnerships. The Czech Republic maintains a globally competitive small aircraft sector, specialising in ultra-light planes, training aircraft and key components.

Minister Elikana noted: “My discussions with Ambassador Tyrer affirm our shared interest in exploring areas of common endeavour so we can partner to advance economic resilience and environmental sustainability building on the platform of the Samoa Agreement – the overarching framework agreement for European Union relations with African, Caribbean, and Pacific countries, including the Cook Islands.”

Minister Elikana acknowledged the contributions of the Czech Republic to development outcomes in the Cook Islands through prior years European Development Fund (EDF) support to the Cook Islands’ development projects such as the Pukapuka Cyclone Shelter, Health and Education in the Pa Enua, as well as Waste Management Projects.

Elikana, who is also the Fisheries Minister, acknowledged the EU-Cook Islands Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement (SFPA) which supports fisheries monitoring and surveillance capacity, and EU-ACP Samoa Agreement, which emphasises multilateral cooperation and policy alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

• MFAI