FIJI WELCOMES FIRST COOKS MISSION
OPENING MARKS MILESTONE ACHIEVEMENT IN ITS 24-YEAR RELATIONSHIP WITH FIJI. Close to 800 Fijians employed in the Cook Islands’ private and public sector, contributing immensely to both economies.
The opening of the Cook Islands’ diplomatic office in Fiji marks a milestone achievement between the two countries.
Fiji, being the hub of many avenues, will open the country of about 20,000 population to what the world has to offer.
While officiating at the opening on Monday night, Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama said the two countries would now have better chances to address issues they faced daily.
“Fijians and Cook Islanders know what it means to live with the threat of the rising sea. We are sea-faring people and we will go to any lengths to protect our ocean for coming generations,” he said.
“Fiji is the Pacific hub of trade, travel, telecommunications, and finance, and Suva is the one-stop shop for all matters multilateral.”
Mr Bainimarama said the 24-yearold partnership that the two countries shared was yet to see the best achievements of the mission.
“This opening of your High Commission in Fiji is a testament to that. It is quite literally a solid foundation on which we can build. And I’m grateful and excited for what it signifies,” the PM said.
“You’re in very good company here in Suva. Increasingly, our capital has become a community that includes all major international institutions.
“In one trip to one city, our region’s leaders can make connections and coordinate engagement with each other and the world.
“There are around 800 Fijians employed in the Cook Islands’ private and public sector, immensely contributing to both economies.
“We pushed hard to re-open our region and ensure that any regional travel bubble reached further than the Tasman Sea.
“Eventually, we succeeded, and thousands of our people are back in jobs they love because of it. I’m confident our pandemic recovery will create more opportunities that our nations can, and should seize together.”
Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown said Fiji held an enviable place in the centre of the Pacific and ensured the recovery and prosperity of the two economies.
“I’m greatly encouraged by the opportunities available to us and look forward to working closely with you, the government and people of Fiji to bring those to fruition in the near future,” Mr Brown said.
“I recognise with pride our Cook Islands people here this evening, who are here for higher learning for business, and some who have set up their roots here in Fiji. Fiji holds an enviable place in the centre of our Pacific.”
He affirmed the country’s commitment to its mission and Fiji. The event was attended by dignitaries, who also have diplomatic offices in the country.
Meanwhile, the Government of Samoa opened its first diplomatic office in the country last night.