The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) facilitated the presentation of credentials by Ambassadors from the Kingdom of Norway, Italy, the Kingdom of Thailand, and The Swiss Confederation (Switzerland) in Rarotonga yesterday.

All four Ambassadors travelled to Rarotonga this week to present their letters of credence to King’s Representative Sir Tom Marsters.

Sir Tom received letters of credence from the following non-resident Ambassadors: Anne Grete Riise, Ambassador-designate for the Kingdom of Norway, Francesco Calogero, Ambassador-designate for Italy, Waravuth Pouapinya, Ambassador-designate for the Kingdom of Thailand and Viktor Vavricka, Ambassador-designate for Switzerland.

Foreign Affairs and Immigration director for the International and Trade Division, Mackenzi Wichman, who oversaw the credentials programme, said: “MFAI are pleased to conduct diplomatic activities and accreditation of foreign representatives in the Cook Islands.”

“This week’s ceremony will support ongoing bilateral conversations MFAI will have with all four countries on behalf of the Cook Islands.”

Italy’s Ambassador-designate to the Cook Islands, Calogero met with acting Foreign Affairs and Immigration Secretary Amelia Fukofuka-Murare this week.

The two discussed the potential for further cooperation in the areas of renewable energy, water security, and agriculture while also celebrating 21 years of friendship this year.

Fukofuka-Murare also met with the Ambassador-designate from the Kingdom of Norway, Riise and highlighted the importance of these engagements between the Cook Islands and Norway, with the two nations celebrating 25 years of diplomatic relations this year.

“I welcomed this rare opportunity to meet with Ambassador-designate from the Kingdom of Norway, Her Excellency Ms Anne Grete Riise, to discuss strengthening cooperation between our two countries,” said Fukofuka-Murare.

• MFAI