Rarotonga, Cook Islands 3 April 2025— Last week the Honourable Mark Brown, Prime Minister of the Cook Islands, met virtually with His Excellency Moetai Brotherson, President of French Polynesia, reaffirming the historical ties between their peoples and to discuss opportunities for enhanced cooperation, centred on a shared vision for prosperity and partnership.
Prime Minister Brown and President Brotherson acknowledged the depth of exchanges and relationships between their people and organisations, including for sports, culture, and faith-based activities. The two Leaders discussed ways to consolidate the existing areas of collaboration into formalised agreements that reflect shared priorities and mutually beneficial outcomes. Recognising the value of both past and ongoing partnerships, one of the key outcomes of the Leader’s discussion was the commitment to finalise a Memorandum of Friendship and Cooperation, with officials now working toward its finalisation this year.
With a focus on elevating bilateral and economic cooperation, Prime Minister Brown shared that in the coming months the Cook Islands will look to establish formal representation in French Polynesia through an Honorary Consul, who will provide consular assistance, reinforce connections to the Cook Islands, and facilitate business collaboration. Prime Minister Brown also encouraged President Brotherson to consider actively exploring avenues for reciprocal representation in the Cook Islands to further strengthen these ties.
Building on these discussions, the leaders reviewed progress on the Air Services Agreement (ASA)—which aims to enhance connectivity between the Cook Islands, French Polynesia, and key markets in the US and Europe. The first technical meeting to negotiate the ASA is set to take place in the coming weeks, with both parties aiming to conclude the agreement before July.
Noting the upcoming regional preparations for the 3rd UN Oceans Conference, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources. Prime Minister Brown highlighted the Cook Islands’ ongoing efforts towards ratification of the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), while President Brotherson presented an opportunity for the Cook Islands to consider renewable energy collaboration through the Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion project commencing in Bora Bora. This EU-funded initiative aims to transition Bora Bora to a 100% carbon-free destination. Noting the similar geographical features of the Cook Islands, Prime Minister Brown expressed his strong support and keen interest in this project as a potential avenue to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
In addition to ocean sustainability, the Leaders also discussed digital connectivity, with French Polynesia highlighting significant achievements in submarine cable connectivity through Google’s South Pacific Connect Initiative. This development will enhance regional telecommunications infrastructure by deploying eight new fibre-optic cables. There was mutual interest in identifying how the Cook Islands could benefit from this network, with Prime Minister Brown suggesting the potential for the Manatua Cable to join the network, further enhancing digital resilience and strengthening the connectivity for its consortium partners, including the Cook Islands, French Polynesia, Niue, and Samoa.
Cook Islands Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Tepaeru Herrmann, underscored the significance of these discussions, stating, “The Cook Islands and French Polynesia share deep historical bonds, and the engagement between our Leaders, building upon that of their predecessors, reaffirms a shared commitment to expanding cooperation in ways that deliver tangible benefits for our people, economies, and national aspirations. The agreements currently under negotiation by our officials are poised to act as a catalyst for dynamic and transformative partnerships upon their formalisation. It is important to note that these developments have been in discussion for several years, and like many of our strategic cooperation agreements, in this instance, they are focused on supporting the development ambitions of the Cook Islands and French Polynesia. One of the key lessons of COVID was the need to strengthen ties and cooperation with our near neighbours and so we look forward to continuing close collaboration with our counterparts in French Polynesia to bring to fruition the aspirations of both governments.”
Prime Minister Brown expressed his anticipation in welcoming President Brotherson to the Cook Islands for the 60th anniversary of self-governance in August, and encouraged officials to continue advancing key bilateral agreements, with a view to finalising them in the coming months.
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