The Cook Islands has strengthened its relations with the French Polynesia to reaffirm the historical ties between its people and discuss opportunities for enhanced cooperation.

Central to a shared vision of prosperity and partnership, Prime Minister Mark Brown and the President of French Polynesia, Moetai Brotherson virtually engaged on these topics.

Upon establishing this strengthened relationship, Brown is looking forward to welcoming President Brotherson to the Cook Islands for the 60th anniversary of self-governance in August this year, and encouraged officials to continue advancing key bilateral agreements, with a view to finalising them in the coming months.

One of the key things the leaders discussed was digital connectivity, with French Polynesia highlighting significant achievements in submarine cable connectivity through Google’s South Pacific Connect Initiative.

This development will enhance regional telecommunications infrastructure by deploying eight new fibre-optic cables.

There was mutual interest in identifying how the Cook Islands could benefit from this network, with Prime Minister Brown suggesting the potential for the Manatua Cable to join the network, further enhancing digital resilience and strengthening the connectivity for its consortium partners, including the Cook Islands, French Polynesia, Niue, and Samoa.

Cook Islands Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Tepaeru Herrmann, underscored the significance of these discussions, highlighting the shared historical bonds and the engagement between the leaders, building upon that of their predecessors, reaffirms a shared commitment to expanding cooperation in ways that deliver tangible benefits for both its people, economies and national aspirations.

“The agreements currently under negotiation by our officials are poised to act as a catalyst for dynamic and transformative partnerships upon their formalisation.

“It is important to note that these developments have been in discussion for several years, and like many of our strategic cooperation agreements, in this instance, they are focused on supporting the development ambitions of the Cook Islands and French Polynesia.

“One of the key lessons of Covid was the need to strengthen ties and cooperation with our near neighbours and so we look forward to continuing close collaboration with our counterparts in French Polynesia to bring to fruition the aspirations of both governments.”

Recognising the value of both past and ongoing partnerships, one of the key outcomes of the leaders’ discussion was the commitment to finalise a Memorandum of Friendship and Cooperation, with officials now working toward its finalisation this year.

With a focus on elevating bilateral and economic cooperation, PM Brown shared that in the coming months the Cook Islands will look to establish formal representation in French Polynesia through an Honorary Consul, who will provide consular assistance, reinforce connections to the Cook Islands, and facilitate business collaboration.

The Prime Minister also encouraged President Brotherson to consider actively exploring avenues for reciprocal representation in the Cook Islands to further strengthen these ties.

Building on these discussions, the leaders reviewed progress on the Air Services Agreement (ASA) – which aims to enhance connectivity between the Cook Islands, French Polynesia, and key markets in the US and Europe.

The first technical meeting to negotiate the ASA is set to take place in the coming weeks, with both parties aiming to conclude the agreement before July.

Noting the upcoming regional preparations for the 3^rd UN Oceans Conference, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources.

PM Brown highlighted the Cook Islands’ ongoing efforts towards ratification of the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), while President Brotherson presented an opportunity for the Cook Islands to consider renewable energy collaboration through the Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion project commencing in Bora Bora.

This EU-funded initiative aims to transition Bora Bora to a 100 per cent carbon-free destination. Noting the similar geographical features of the Cook Islands, Prime Minister Brown expressed his strong support and keen interest in this project as a potential avenue to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Meanwhile, Brown and Brotherson also acknowledged the depth of exchanges and relationships between their people and organisations, including for sports, culture and faith-based activities. The two leaders discussed ways to consolidate the existing areas of collaboration into formalised agreements that reflect shared priorities and mutually beneficial outcomes.

• Talaia Mika/MFAI