Honolulu, Hawaii – The Government of the Cook Islands participated for the first time in the 36th annual International Military Law and Operations Conference (MILOPS), held recently in Honolulu, Hawaii, and hosted by the United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM).
The Cook Islands joined representatives from more than 30 nations to strengthen partnerships, exchange expertise, and reaffirm a shared commitment to international law, sovereignty, and regional security.
With the theme “Peace Through Strength: Advancing Indo-Pacific Security through Legal Vigilance and Legal Diplomacy,” MILOPS 2025 provided a vital forum for dialogue on the legal frameworks underpinning security cooperation, transparency, and regional stability.
Ms Mackenzi Wichman, National Security Advisor at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, and Mr Wayne Robati, National Security Officer at the National Security Directorate in the Office of the Prime Minister, represented the Cook Islands. They actively participated in sessions addressing key regional concerns, including maritime capability, economic statecraft, legal vigilance, maritime infrastructure, and emerging technologies at sea.
“Attending MILOPS 2025 presented an important opportunity for the Cook Islands to build and strengthen relationships, gain valuable insights from international partners, and enhance our understanding of evolving security challenges across the region,” said Ms Wichman.
This inaugural participation marks a significant step forward in the Cook Islands’ ongoing commitment to contributing to regional security and international cooperation, laying the foundation for future collaborations in the Indo-Pacific.
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