I will visit the Cook Islands from 17 to 19 July to strengthen our bilateral cooperation and work together to promote security and prosperity in the Pacific.
During the visit, I will meet with Cook Islands Prime Minister Henry Puna. I will visit the Cook Islands’ Patrol Boat, Te Kukupa, which will be replaced with a new Guardian-Class Patrol Boat in 2022 under our Pacific Maritime Security Program.
I will meet with members of the Cook Islands National Council of Women and Pacific Parliamentary Women’s Caucus to discuss women’s leadership, including Cook Islands’ initiatives to support women and girls.
In November 2018, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced Australia’s commitment to expand our diplomatic presence to all Pacific Islands Forum members, including opening a High Commission in the Cook Islands. I look forward to discussing this with Prime Minister Puna during my visit.
