Rarotonga, Cook Islands, 15 December 2025 - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) together with the Office of the Head of State facilitated the final Presentation of Credentials (POC) ceremony for 2025, formally accrediting four new diplomatic envoys to the Cook Islands - His Excellency Archbishop Gábor Pintér representing Holy See, His Excellency Dr Gábor Tamás Nagy representing Hungary, His Excellency Mr Phan Minh Giang representing the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam and His Excellency Mr Rogelio Cucalón García representing the Republic of Panama.
Holy See
The Cook Islands and the Holy See established diplomatic relations in 1999. While engagement has historically been limited, the relationship holds clear potential for expansion in areas of humanitarian cooperation and cultural and religious dialogue. The Holy See’s unique global role, coupled with the Cook Islands’ significant Catholic community, provides a strong basis for deepening engagement. Archbishop Pintér, who covers the Pacific region and is based in Wellington, expressed interest in learning more about key issues for the Cook Islands and future priorities for cooperation. The Holy See highlighted its special relationship with the United Nations and its commitment to strengthening ties across the Pacific.
Hungary
Diplomatic relations between the Cook Islands and Hungary were established in 2018. Hungary’s engagement with Pacific Island countries has grown through multilateral cooperation, development initiatives, educational exchanges, and collaboration on climate policy. These areas provide a foundation for advancing bilateral cooperation, particularly in opportunities for technical assistance, capacity-building, and shared contributions to global climate and sustainability efforts.
Viet Nam
The Cook Islands and Viet Nam formalised diplomatic relations in 2022. Viet Nam became the Cook Islands’ 49th diplomatic partner globally and the sixth in Southeast Asia. Engagement since the establishment of ties has been limited but constructive, with both countries expressing interest in building a more substantive partnership. Shared priorities include regional stability, sustainable development, and multilateral cooperation on climate action, oceans, and economic resilience. In 2025, the Cook Islands celebrated 60 years of self-government in free association with New Zealand, while Viet Nam marked 80 years of independence, making this a significant year for both nations. Viet Nam looks forward to exploring further cooperation with the Cook Islands in trade, tourism, agriculture, and technical exchanges.
Panama
Diplomatic relations with Panama were established in 2024, making Panama the 64th country to formalise ties with the Cook Islands. This accreditation marks the appointment of Panama’s first ambassador to the Cook Islands and represents the beginning of a new chapter in bilateral engagement. Panama’s strategic global role, as a major financial, maritime, and logistics hub anchored by the Panama Canal and the Colón Free Trade Zone, creates opportunities for cooperation in trade facilitation, maritime affairs, and economic connectivity.
All four ambassadors presented their credentials to the King’s Representative, His Excellency Sir Tom Marsters on Wednesday, 10 December, at Motu Villas. The ambassadors also met with Acting Secretary of MFAI, Mr Joshua Mitchell, to discuss areas of mutual interest and emerging opportunities for cooperation. The ambassadors further met with selected government agencies, and community and private sector representatives to explore sector-specific collaboration relevant to both the Cook Islands and their respective countries.
For further information, please email: [email protected]