PRIME MINISTER RABUKA WELCOMES HIS COUNTERPART FROM COOK ISLANDS

Fiji and the Cook Islands are in the process of finalising a new Development Cooperation Agreement to advance economic cooperation, air transportation connectivity, trade, tourism, labour mobility and address climate change.

This was highlighted during a bilateral meeting held between the Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon Sitiveni Rabuka and the Pacific Islands Forum Chair and Cook Islands Prime Minister Hon Mark Brown. The two leaders discussed key areas of cooperation in the build up to the Forum Troika meeting and the Forum Economic Ministers Meeting (FEMM) in Suva later this week.

Prime Minister Rabuka thanked Prime Minister Brown for his timely visit to Fiji particularly to finalize the Development Cooperation Agreement (DCA).

He said DCA will enhance opportunities for increased economic cooperation particularly with the potential to establish air connectivity with the Cook Islands through direct flights and collaboration in trade and tourism. Prime Minister Rabuka acknowledged Mr Brown’s role as the Chair of the Forum and also reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to regional solidarity assuring full support to the Cook Islands as it prepares to host the upcoming PIFs Meeting later this year.

He said Fiji will work closely with Cook Islands and other Pacific Island countries in the implementation of the 2050 Strategy of the Blue Pacific Continent.