Tokyo, Japan – The Cook Islands participated in the 3rd Japan-Pacific Islands Defence Dialogue (JPIDD) in Tokyo, represented by MFAI National Security Advisor, Ms Mackenzi Wichman.
Hosted by Japan's Ministry of Defence, the Dialogue brought together Pacific Island countries alongside regional partner countries and with ASEAN countries attending as observers for the first time. Discussions were structured around Maritime Security, Climate Change and Humanitarian Assistance / Disaster Relief (HA/DR), reflecting shared priorities and common challenges faced by both Pacific Island countries and Japan.
Ms Wichman said: "The Dialogue provided an important platform for strengthening cooperation and interoperability with regional partners and partners to the region, supporting more coordinated and effective responses to shared security challenges."
Ms Wichman shared Cook Islands perspectives on maritime security, stressing the importance of practical frontline capability building, and coordinated regional efforts against illegal fishing, maritime drug trafficking, and other challenges in our Pacific waters. She thanked Japan for the 2025 Shiprider Cooperation Programme, where Cook Islands officers joined Japanese patrols to sharpen skills, build trust, and protect our moana.
Bilateral meetings with Pacific neighbours and other partners provided the opportunity to discuss practical ways in which the Cook Islands can work with partners to assist in strengthening against maritime issues and responses to HA/DR.
Through JPIDD, MFAI is equipping the Cook Islands with stronger tools, partnerships, and influence to safeguard our seas, shield communities from disasters, and promote regional stability.
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