Rarotonga, Cook Islands, 13 April 2026 – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) welcomed a delegation from Japan to Rarotonga, with discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation and reviewing Japan-supported development initiatives in the Cook Islands.
The delegation, led by Mr Yoshiaki Makino, Deputy Director of the Country Assistance Planning Division, International Cooperation Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, included representatives from the Embassy of Japan in Wellington and the Japan International Cooperation System (JICS). The programme brought together Government agencies and key stakeholders.
Meetings were held with officials from the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management, Ministry of Transport, Te Marae Ora, Emergency Management Cook Islands, and Maritime Cook Islands. Discussions covered priority areas including the inter-island vessel supported by Japan, healthcare needs, disaster risk management and resilience, climate change, and Japan’s grant assistance to the Cook Islands.
Acting Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, Ms Mackenzi Wichman, welcomed the delegation and acknowledged Japan’s longstanding partnership with the Cook Islands. “Japan has been a consistent and trusted partner. This visit gave us a chance to look closely at what is working and where we can go further, particularly in areas that directly support our people. It is also timely as we mark 15 years of diplomatic relations this year.”
The visit reaffirmed the strength of the Cook Islands–Japan relationship, with Japan continuing to play a key role in supporting national development priorities. It also provided an opportunity to identify areas for deeper cooperation, including maritime security, sustainable development, and climate action.
This engagement comes ahead of the 15th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Cook Islands and Japan in June 2026, underscoring a partnership that continues to evolve in response to shared priorities.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration looks forward to building on this cooperation and advancing practical outcomes that deliver for both countries.
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