Author Archives: Office of the Prime Minister

Statement: Cook Islands and China formalise agreements to strengthen partnership and cooperation

During the Cook Islands Government’s recent visit to China, four key agreements were signed, including the Action Plan for the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) 2025-2030, which sets the overarching framework for bilateral cooperation. The other three agreements serve as supporting implementation mechanisms, strengthening collaboration in key areas such as the blue economy, seabed minerals, and…

Prime Minister Speech – First day of Parliament 2025

Our evolution as a Nation – the story of our Statehood Kia orana e te iti tangata o te Kuki Airani,  As we gather today for the first sitting of Parliament this year, we do so at a historic moment. This year, we commemorate 60 years of self-governance, a milestone that reflects the resilience, vision,…

Media release: Cook Islands and China strengthen bilateral partnership to secure sustainable growth

(Pictured L-R: Prime Minister of the Cook Islands Hon. Mr Mark Brown, Associate Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Cook Islands  Hon. Mr Tukaka Ama, Premier of the People’s Republic of China H.E Mr Li Qiang, Minister of Natural Resources Peoples Republic of China H.E Mr Guan Zhiou) Cook Islands Prime Minister Hon. Mr Mark…

Statement: A strong future for the Cook Islands: Strategic opportunities from China visit

As we progress through this State Visit, I want to take a moment to reflect on what we have achieved so far and the exciting opportunities ahead for the Cook Islands. Over the past few days, we have engaged in critical discussions with leading institutions in marine science, climate resilience, and economic cooperation. These conversations…

Speech: Honouring our past, embracing our future – Waitangi Day 2025

Kia orana e te iti tangata o te Kuki Airani, tēnā koutou katoa, Greetings to you all. As we gather to commemorate Waitangi Day, we reflect on the profound connections between our nation and Aotearoa New Zealand. This year holds special significance as we celebrate 185 years of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, alongside 60 years…

Media release: State Visit to China- strengthening the Cook Islands’ global partnerships

Prime Minister, the Honourable Mark Brown, will undertake a State Visit to China from 10 – 14 February, reinforcing the Cook Islands’ commitment to diversified international partnerships that support national development. At the invitation of the Government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), Prime Minister Brown will be joined by the Honourable Tukaka Ama,…

Media release: Cook Islands reaffirms climate leadership amidst US withdrawal from Paris Agreement

The Government of the Cook Islands remains firmly commitment to the Paris Agreement and the global effort to limit temperature rise to 1.5°C. As a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), our nation’s future depends on robust and collective global climate action. The recent withdrawal of the United States from the Paris Agreement is a significant…

Media Release: Prime Minister Mark Brown Welcomes 2025: I know who I am, I have a homeland – Kua kite au i toku turanga, e avaiki toku

Prime Minister Mark Brown delivered a heartfelt and inspiring address to mark the beginning of a historic year for the Cook Islands. Speaking at the vibrant Ipukarea Concert, he set the tone for 2025, a year of celebration and reflection on 60 years of self-governance under the unifying theme: “I know who I am, I…

Media Release: Celebrating Cook Islands identity while preserving our relationship with New Zealand

In response to recent media discussions, Prime Minister Mark Brown reaffirms the Cook Islands government’s unwavering commitment to preserving the nation’s constitutional relationship with New Zealand while celebrating Cook Islands’ unique heritage and identity. Our constitutional bond remains unchangedPrime Minister Brown addressed concerns raised about the introduction of a Cook Islands passport: “Let me be…

Media Release: Prime Minister Mark Brown hosts visit by Executive Vice Foreign Minister Ma of the People’s Republic of China

The Cook Islands has achieved a historic milestone, hosting the Executive Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), His Excellency Dr. Zhaoxu Ma, marking the highest-level visit from PRC Government. The visit coincided with the dedication ceremony for the Te Mato Vai (TMV) Project, the largest infrastructure initiative in the…