Diplomatic Envoys from the Republic of France, the Republic of Korea and the State of Kuwait, will visit Rarotonga next week to present their letters of credence to Kings Representative, His Excellency Sir Tom Marsters, during a ceremony facilitated by Te Kauono Tutara e te Mana Tiaki – Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI).
Diplomatic Envoys include Her Excellency Mrs Laurence Beau, Ambassador for the Republic of France; His Excellency Mr Kim Changsik, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary for the Republic of Korea and His Excellency Mr Ahmad Salem Alwehaib, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary for the State of Kuwait.
Her Excellency Mrs Laurence Beau will be accompanied by Joint Commander of the French Armed Forces in French Polynesia, Rear Admiral Mr Geoffroy d’Andigne, with His Excellency Mr Kim Changsik accompanied by a small delegation from the Republic of Korea including government officials.
During their visit, all three Ambassadors will meet with Prime Minister the Hon. Mark Brown, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI), and Secretary Tepaeru Herrmann as well as other government, business, and civil society representatives.
“We are pleased to be able to receive these visits by Diplomatic Envoys for the Republic of France, the Republic of Korea and the State of Kuwait,” said MFAI Director of the International and Trade Division, Mackenzi Wichman. “There is no substitute for in-person engagement in the realm of diplomacy, particularly for countries separated by vast distances.”
The Cook Islands established diplomatic relations with the Republic of France in 2000, the Republic of Korea in 2013 and the State of Kuwait in 2021. The Cook Islands have co-operated with the Republic of France, the State of Kuwait, and the Republic of Korea on various development initiatives in areas of mutual interest.
The Cook Islands and the Republic of Korea will also be co-hosting a reception to celebrate 10 Years of Diplomatic Relations between our two nations.