Rarotonga, Cook Islands, 29 July 2025.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) is pleased to welcome to the Cook Islands diplomatic envoys - High Commissioner Johnny Sexwale of the Republic of South Africa, Ambassador Melih Karalar of the Republic of Türkiye, Ambassador Sheik Sabah Naser Al-Sabah of the State of Kuwait, and Ambassador Cristiano Maggipinto of the Italian Republic. The envoys are in country to present their respective Letters of Credence to the King’s Representative to the Cook Islands, Sir Tom Marsters, in a ceremony facilitated by the Office of the Head of State and MFAI.
Upon presenting their Letters of Credence to the King’s Representative, Sir Tom Marsters, the diplomatic envoys will be able to engage officially with representatives of the Cook Islands Government. During their visit the High Commissioner and Ambassadors will meet with government representatives, including Foreign Minister Hon. Tingika Elikana and Foreign Secretary Tepaeru Herrmann. The High Commissioner and Ambassadors will also meet with select government, business, and civil society representatives depending on areas of cooperation for the Cook Islands and their respective countries.
“We warmly welcome South African High Commissioner Sexwale, Ambassador Melih Karalar of Türkiye, Ambassador Sheik Al-Alsabah of Kuwait, and Ambassador Maggipinto of Italy as they present their credentials to the Cook Islands. In this our 60th year of self-government in free association with New Zealand, this cohort of nations is a snapshot of the diverse and multifaceted nature of the Cook Islands international partnerships today and into the future. We look forward to discussing over the next few days with each of the envoys further opportunities to advance the Cook Islands sustainable development, climate action, trade, tourism, cultural exchange, and shared prosperity agenda with their respective nations," Secretary Herrmann said.
The program for the visiting diplomatic envoys includes engagement with the 60th Constitution Celebrations program including the trade fair and Te Maeva Nui cultural programs.
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