The Recognition of the Cook Islands and the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations
Statement by President Biden on the Recognition of the Cook Islands and the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations.
Today, I am proud to announce that the United States recognizes the Cook Islands as a sovereign and independent state and will establish diplomatic relations between our two nations.
The United States has a long history of cooperation with the Cook Islands—dating back to World War II when the U.S. military built airport runways in the northernmost atoll Penrhyn and in Aitutaki. Today’s announcement will enable us to expand the scope of this enduring partnership as we seek to tackle the challenges that matter most to our peoples’ lives—from countering illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, to combatting climate change, to building inclusive economic growth, to advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific region, and beyond.
The United States plans to work closely with the Cook Islands, the Pacific Islands Forum, and the Pacific Community to bolster Pacific regionalism. Together, we intend to align the objectives of the United States’ first-ever Pacific Partnership Strategy with the Pacific’s own priorities as embodied in the Pacific Islands Forum 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. And, the United States looks forward to participating in the upcoming PIF Leaders’ Summit to support Pacific voices, Pacific choices, and the Pacific way.
The history and the future of the Pacific Islands and the United States are inextricably linked. The United States’ recognition of the Cook Islands, and the establishment of diplomatic relations will not only strengthen the ties between our nations, it will help ensure that our shared future is more secure, more prosperous, and more free—for our people and people around the world.
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Today is an historic day…
Statement by President Biden on the Recognition of the Cook Islands and the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations:
Today, I am proud to announce that the United States recognizes the Cook Islands as a sovereign and independent state and will… pic.twitter.com/B1H4nFxsn7
— US Embassy NZ 🇺🇸🇳🇿 (@usembassynz) September 25, 2023
On the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the United States and the Cook Islands
Office of the Spokesperson
Today Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Prime Minister of the Cook Islands Mark Brown signed a joint statement commemorating the establishment of diplomatic relations between the United States and the Cook Islands. This historic step reaffirms our joint commitment to deepen our cooperation as equal and sovereign partners, guided by respect, genuine engagement, and partnership.
With the establishment of diplomatic relations, the United States and the Cook Islands will strengthen bilateral cooperation on shared priorities including the climate crisis, ocean stewardship, marine resources, renewable energy, education, sustainable development, democracy, human rights, and good governance. In addition, the United States and the Cook Islands will continue to work closely together in Pacific regional institutions, including the Pacific Islands Forum and the Pacific Community, and bolster connections within the Pacific region. The United States greatly appreciates and supports Prime Minister Brown’s leadership as the current Chair of the Pacific Island Forum.
The establishment of diplomatic relations between the United States and the Cook Islands is a celebration of our shared history, common values, and people-to-people ties, and the United States looks forward to deepening our relationship for years to come.
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