A prosperous, resilient and stable Pacific matters to the Cook Islands. We bring national priorities into regional cooperation, working with our neighbours on challenges and opportunities that extend beyond any one country.
Working with the Pacific
The Cook Islands participates in the Pacific Islands Forum, the Pacific Community and other Pacific regional organisations. Through these relationships, we represent national interests and contribute to collective discussions on climate change, disaster resilience, security, ocean governance and sustainable development.
For a small and dispersed island country, regional cooperation connects domestic needs with shared decisions and the knowledge and experience of Pacific partners.
To strengthen bilateral relations with our Pacific diplomatic partners, we look to formalise development cooperation through joint development cooperation frameworks such as:
- Development Cooperation Agreement — Fiji
- Framework for Development Cooperation — Papua New Guinea
- Provincial Partnership Agreement — Central Province, Papua New Guinea
Our regional priorities
We support a regional architecture that is led by the Pacific, respects sovereignty and is accountable to regional priorities. The 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent provides a framework for this engagement.
Our priorities include strengthening Pacific partnerships, supporting regional solidarity and advancing the interests of Smaller Island States. These are continuing areas of advocacy and cooperation, with national development goals guiding the Cook Islands’ contribution.
For the Forum Communiqué 2026 and SIS Leaders Meeting Outcomes 2026, contact Foreign Affairs.
Connecting regional and national work
We work with government agencies and other stakeholders so regional engagement reflects domestic knowledge and priorities. Technical experts may join international delegations where their expertise is needed.
Currently we are developing a joint Cook Islands and Pacific Community (SPC) Country Program which will be published here when completed.
Explore our Regional and Multilateral work or contact Foreign Affairs. For practical help overseas, see Consular Assistance.
Regional cooperation and international engagement
MFAI represents Cook Islands priorities in Pacific and international forums. Working with other countries helps us respond to challenges that cross borders. These include climate change, disaster resilience, ocean governance and economic vulnerability.
Pacific cooperation
We engage through the Pacific Islands Forum, the Pacific Community (SPC) and other Council of Regional Organisations in the Pacific (CROP) agencies. We support a Pacific-led approach that respects sovereignty and strengthens regional solidarity. This includes advancing the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
International engagement
Our work also includes engagement with United Nations bodies and agencies, multilateral development banks and international financial institutions. We advocate on climate finance, sustainable development and ocean governance, and for the priorities of smaller island states.
Connecting international work with national priorities
We coordinate with government agencies so that our international engagement reflects Cook Islands needs. Depending on the issue, MFAI leads the work or supports the responsible agency. Technical expertise helps inform the positions we take and the delegations we send.
For enquiries about regional cooperation or international engagement, contact Foreign Affairs. Explore related work in Pacific Regional Affairs and Treaties, Multilaterals and Oceans.