Rarotonga, Cook Islands, 7 September 2026 – Acting Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, Ms Chere Arthur, met with the Honourable Ribanataake Tiwau, Kiribati’s Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources Development, during his visit to Rarotonga.
Minister Tiwau and his delegation visited the Cook Islands to learn about the country’s experience in establishing governance arrangements for seabed minerals.
Discussions covered institutional and regulatory processes, scientific research and environmental protection. The meeting also provided an opportunity to exchange information on approaches to managing ocean resources and to consider areas for possible future cooperation, including knowledge sharing and institutional capacity-building.
Minister Tiwau acknowledged the Cook Islands’ experience in developing its seabed minerals governance arrangements. Both sides also recognised the value of Pacific countries sharing knowledge and experience on ocean issues affecting the region.
The visit builds on previous engagements between Cook Islands and Kiribati representatives at regional and international meetings and contributes to the broader bilateral relationship between the two countries.
Ms Arthur was supported by Ms Tatryanna Utanga, Foreign Service Officer within the Ministry’s Treaties, Multilateral and Oceans Division.
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