Prime Minister of the Cook Islands Mark Brown met with Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister James Marape on the margins of PNG’s 50th Independence celebrations on 16 September, reaffirming the strong friendship between the two nations.
Prime Minister Brown congratulated Marape and the people of Papua New Guinea on their golden jubilee, recognising PNG’s achievements in nation-building, economic growth and regional leadership.
“Our two countries are bound by more than 30 years of diplomatic relations, but also by the legacy of Cook Islands missionaries who first came to villages such as Hanuabada in the 1870s,” Brown said. “That spiritual and cultural connection continues to live on today, and it gives our modern partnership special meaning as we chart the next 50 years together.”
Marape thanked Brown for accepting the invitation to celebrate the milestone. “We in Papua New Guinea don’t easily forget – we treasure our relationships, and just like we remember the Cook Islands missionaries who came here, we will also remember your visit here today,” he said.
During the meeting, the leaders discussed opportunities to deepen cooperation, including advancing a high-level memorandum of understanding first proposed by Papua New Guinea’s High Commissioner to the Cook Islands last year. Other areas of collaboration highlighted were education, sport, health, tourism and cultural exchange. A Sister City relationship between Rarotonga and Central Province was also discussed following earlier talks with Governor Hon. Rufina Peter.
Brown acknowledged PNG’s growing regional leadership, congratulating Marape on the country’s confirmed entry into the National Rugby League in 2028 and automatic qualification for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.
The Cook Islands delegation has taken part in a number of commemorative events for PNG’s 50th anniversary, including a combined church service where the Motu Koitabu sang hymns inspired by Imene Tuki, a tree planting ceremony at Independence Park and fellowship with the people of Hanuabada.
“From faith to sport, from government to community, our partnership is strong and enduring,” Brown said. “We look forward to continuing to walk alongside Papua New Guinea as brothers and sisters of the Pacific.”
