Cook Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Immigration

🇨🇰 Meet Eden Brown, Acting Director of MFAI's Pacific and Regional Division.

Eden represented the Cook Islands at the recent Pacific Community (SPC) Conference, where leaders and officials from across the region came together to discuss shared Pacific priorities.

Through his work, Eden helps ensure Cook Islands perspectives are heard in regional discussions and decision-making.

🇨🇰 Cook Islands Foreign Service Officer Charlene Hoff is currently serving as the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) Mitigation Coordinator.

🌊 World Ocean Day at MFAI

World Ocean Day gave us a good excuse to wear blue, eat seafood and test how much we actually know about the ocean.

Today, TMOD (Treaties, Multilateral and Oceans Division) challenged staff to bring a dish from the ocean to the table and take part in a few ocean-themed activities.

From good old tin fish to fresh ika mata, the food didn’t disappoint.

A little friendly competition, a lot of laughs, and a reminder that, as a large ocean island state, our ocean is our lifeline, our provider, and our home. We must protect it for generations to come, a responsibility worth celebrating in all our daily lives.

🇨🇰🌏 Cook Islands helping shape climate discussions ahead of SB64

As preparations continue for the next round of UN climate negotiations in Bonn, Germany, Cook Islands Foreign Service Officer Charlene Hoff has been supporting coordination among Small Island Developing States in her role as AOSIS Mitigation Coordinator.

Over the past week, representatives from across the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) met to align priorities and prepare for discussions on climate finance, adaptation, resilience and emissions reduction ahead of SB64.

Charlene's role helps ensure small island countries enter negotiations with a coordinated voice on issues that directly affect our communities and future.

The Cook Islands delegation includes officials from across government agencies, reflecting the importance of climate change across many sectors. As formal negotiations begin this week, the Cook Islands will continue to work alongside fellow Small Island Developing States to ensure that our voices and shared priorities are reflected in commitments and actions that strengthen our collective climate resilience.

On the margins of the 8th GEF Assembly, the Cook Islands delegation was pleased to meet with the new Chair of the Global Plastics Treaty.

As preparations continue for INC-5.4, the Cook Islands continues to support a strong global agreement to reduce plastic pollution and protect our oceans and communities.

A familiar name for many at MFAI.

Mr Jim Gosselin MBE has a long-standing connection with MFAI and played an important role in shaping the Cook Islands’ international engagement over many years.

A fitting recognition of his years of service, and a proud moment for his family.

Last week, the Cook Islands brought its water story to regional discussions in Tajikistan 🇨🇰

MFAI Director of Treaties, Multilateral and Oceans, Ms Sandrina Thondoo, delivered the Cook Islands national statement, chaired an Interactive Dialogue on investments for water, and shared Small Island Developing State perspectives during a panel discussion.

As one of two Pacific countries represented, the Cook Islands drew on experiences from Te Mato Vai and other national efforts to highlight the importance of investing in resilient water systems and strengthening water security for island communities.

Prime Minister, Hon. Mark Brown Deepens Cook Islands–China Ties On Historic Visit To Wuzhou

A landmark visit to Wuzhou, Guangxi, China has opened new pathways for cooperation between the Cook Islands and the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, with Prime Minister Hon. Mark Brown leading a delegation that celebrated the launch of the MV Tuitui Moana, engaged with significant cultural and economic sites, and held high-level discussions on deepening bilateral ties.

Launch of the MV Tuitui Moana

A centrepiece of the visit was the celebration of the launch of the MV Tuitui Moana, an occasion of great significance for the Cook Islands. The Prime Minister joined Wuzhou officials and partners for the occasion, which reflects the deep maritime heritage of the Cook Islands and underscores the practical dimension of cooperation with Chinese partners. The vessel represents a tangible outcome of the relationship between the two sides in improving connectivity across the Cook Islands.

Cultural and Economic Engagement

The delegation visited a number of sites of cultural and economic significance in Wuzhou, gaining firsthand insight into the region’s heritage, craftsmanship, and commercial strengths. These included:

iA visit to SICGEM Co. Ltd., highlighted Wuzhou’s world-renowned gemstone and jewellery industry. The Prime Minister and delegation observed the craftsmanship and global commercial reach of this leading enterprise, exploring potential avenues for trade and industry links with the Cook Islands.

The delegation toured the historic Qilou streetscapes, a treasured cultural landmark that speaks to Wuzhou’s rich history as a trading city and its layered architectural heritage. This offered the Cook Islands delegation an appreciation of the living culture and identity of Wuzhou’s people.

The delegation was also treated to an opera performance featuring art forms and cultural elements integral to Wuzhou’s identity, providing a moving demonstration of the region’s artistic traditions and affirming the importance of cultural exchange as a pillar of the bilateral relationship.

A visit to the Guangxi Wuzhou Tea Factory introduced the delegation to Wuzhou’s celebrated Liu Bao tea heritage. The Prime Minister engaged with the factory’s leadership, discussing the history and cultural significance of this prized product and its potential as a basis for trade and people-to-people connection.

Guangxi Welcoming Banquet and High-Level Discussions

Prime Minister, Hon. Mark Brown and the Cook Islands delegation were hosted to a Guangxi Welcoming Banquet by the Vice Governor of the Guangxi People’s Government. The occasion provided an important platform for open and constructive dialogue on the breadth of the relationship between the Cook Islands and Guangxi, with both sides expressing commitment to strengthening cooperation across a range of areas.

Discussions explored possible areas of future cooperation including trade and investment, cultural and people-to-people exchanges, tourism, and development partnerships. Both sides recognised that the connections being built – between governments, communities, and peoples form the enduring foundation of a strong and mutually beneficial relationship.

Prime Minister Brown described the visit as an important step in the Cook Islands engagement with China at the provincial level and noted the significance of building lasting relationships grounded in respect, shared interests, and genuine partnership.

“Our visit to Wuzhou has been a rich and rewarding experience. From the launch of the MV Tuitui Moana to the warmth and generosity shown by our hosts, this visit has reinforced our ties with China and opened new doors for cooperation that will benefit the people of the Cook Islands. We leave Wuzhou with a deeper understanding of this remarkable region and a renewed commitment to building a relationship founded on partnership, respect, and shared purpose,” said Prime Minister Brown.

The visit to Wuzhou forms part of a broader programme of engagement by the Cook Islands Government to deepen ties with development partners and reflects the Government’s commitment to proactive and people-centred diplomacy.

Vacancy announcement (Cook Islands)!

The Cook Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, in collaboration with the PACER Plus Implementation Unit, invites applications for the position of PACER Plus National Coordinator - Cook Islands.

This position will be under the supervision and direction of MFAI and will be based in the Cook Islands. This position is open to Cook Islands nationals only.

Applications close at 2pm on Friday 12 June 2026.

More information:
Careers | TE KAUONO TUTARA E TE MANA TIAKI

Cook Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Immigration