(Majuro, Marshall Islands) – On September 3, at the conclusion of Smaller Islands States Leaders meeting in the Marshall Islands, Palau President and the Cook Islands Prime Minister officially established diplomatic ties, formally connecting the North to the South Pacific.
President Tommy Remengesau Junior and the Cook Islands Prime Minister Henry Puna signed a joint communiqué establishing diplomatic relations between both island nations.
Through the communiqué, both countries agree to “develop and strengthen ties of friendship and cooperation between their countries and people.”
Additionally, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the new Pacific Islands Forum Chairman, also established diplomatic relations with the South Pacific island nation.
Led by President Remengesau, the Palau delegation includes Minister Umiich Sengebau of the Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment and Tourism, Minister Billy Kuartei of the Ministry of State, First Lady Debbie Remengesau, Thomas Taro and Keobel Sakuma, the Press Secretary for the President’s Office.
The Forum meetings will conclude on Thursday with the Leaders retreat and the signing of the final communiqué followed by the Post Forum Dialogue at the end of the week.
