Rarotonga, Cook Islands, 10 April 2025 – The Government of the Cook Islands acknowledges the completion of High Commissioner Jim Armistead’s tenure in Fiji, marking the end of a key period in the deepening of bilateral and regional partnerships.
Mr. Armistead has spent over a decade in the regional space, serving more than five years as Director of the Pacific Regional Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) before becoming the Cook Islands’ first resident High Commissioner to Fiji in 2020. Over his five years in Fiji, Mr. Armistead was instrumental in advancing regional priorities at the highest levels and strengthening of bilateral ties with Fiji including the signing of the Cook Islands-Fiji Cooperation agreement between the Prime Ministers at the November 2023 Forum Leaders Meeting.
A major achievement during his posting was the establishment and official opening of the Cook Islands High Commission in Suva on 6 June 2022, marking a new chapter in diplomatic relations between the two countries. The establishment of the mission was a historic step, enhancing bilateral cooperation across trade, education, labor mobility, and cultural exchange.
Mr. Armistead also played a critical leadership role when the Cook Islands assumed the Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) in 2023. He chaired several senior official meetings, including the Pacific ACP Trade Officials Meeting, and steered Cook Islands contributions to the development of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent and the subsequent Implementation Plan. His leadership was particularly crucial during the regional pandemic recovery phase, where he worked closely with regional partners to maintain momentum on core regional frameworks despite the COVID-19 shutdown.
In addition to his role in Forum processes, Mr. Armistead supported the Cook Islands' engagement in regional legal and climate diplomacy initiatives, including landmark regional Declarations on the Continuity of Statehood and Protection of Persons Affected by Sea-Level Rise (2023), Preserving Maritime Zones in the Face of Climate Change-related Sea-Level Rise (2021), and the establishment of the Pacific Resilience Facility.
Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, Ms. Tepaeru Herrmann, acknowledged Mr. Armistead’s service, stating that "Jim’s tenure as our first High Commissioner to Fiji has set a strong foundation for a new era of bilateral engagement. His leadership during a period of regional uncertainty ensured the Cook Islands remained a respected and constructive partner in advancing Pacific priorities."
Prime Minister Hon. Mark Brown also paid tribute, affirming that “Jim’s contribution to the Cook Islands’ regional leadership, particularly during our Forum Chair year, has been significant. His experience, commitment, and steady hand have enhanced our regional partnerships, and we look forward to his continued leadership as he takes up his new role at MFAI."
Mr. Armistead has now returned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration in Rarotonga, where he has been appointed as Director of the International and Trade Division. In this new role, he will lead Cook Islands' international relations with key partners including New Zealand, Australia, the United States, and China, and oversee the Cook Islands' trade portfolio, with an initial focus on PACER Plus implementation and broader engagement across regional and global trade frameworks, including priorities led from Geneva.
The Cook Islands Government extends its sincere appreciation to Mr. Armistead for his leadership and dedication to strengthening the Cook Islands' voice and partnerships across the Pacific and wishes him the very best as he continues to advance national and regional interests from his new role.
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