The Cook Islands’ new French ambassador and her diplomatic mission made a “courtesy call” to the Police Commissioner as part of a trip to officially mark the beginning of her ambassadorship for the island nation.

Ambassador of France to New Zealand, the Cook Islands, and Samoa, Laurence Beau, presented her Letters of Credence to the King’s Representative, Sir Tom Marsters, before visiting a number of Government, business, and civil society representatives around the Cook Islands last week.

Police Commissioner TJ Keenan was among those who met with Beau following the ceremony on Thursday.

Cook Islands Police Service spokesman Trevor Pitt said Keenan was “pleased to receive a courtesy call” from the French diplomatic mission, which included a team of French military dignitaries.

When asked what was discussed during the meeting between Keenan and Beau, Pitt said: “The French visit was a courtesy call so mostly general discussions, particularly around those areas of bilateral and multilateral co-operation.”

The Cook Islands and France had “enjoyed warm, friendly relations” for more than 30 years, Pitt said.

“The Police Service in particular has benefited greatly from these co-operative ties, which cover a range of activities – including maritime surveillance, multinational operations, and tactical firearms training with the military in French Polynesia,” he said.

“Good chance to meet the new Ambassador as well.”

Beau took office on September 13, 2022.

Diplomatic envoys from the Republic of Korea and the State of Kuwait were also in the country last week to present their Letters of Credence, which are letters addressed from one head of state to another asking for credence to speak for the country.