The Cook Islands faces a pivotal juncture in its development, according to Foreign Minister Tingika Elikana, who urged the nation to take decisive actions to secure its future while continuing to honor its 60-year relationship with New Zealand. Speaking during the 12th Meeting of the 18th Parliament, Elikana reflected on the historic choice of self-rule made in 1965, emphasizing the need for a proactive approach in the evolving international landscape.
Highlighting the significant progress the Cook Islands has made since opting for self-governance, Elikana noted that the nation’s GDP per capita has skyrocketed from $747 in 1973 to over $17,000 today. He pointed out that the country has grown from having no diplomatic partners to engaging with 67 nations and 40 international organizations, establishing itself as a recognized global player.
However, Elikana acknowledged the challenges the Cook Islands currently faces, including inflation, supply chain disruptions, and climate change impacts. With its recent status as a high-income country under OECD criteria, the Cook Islands is now reevaluating its economic strategies due to reduced access to concessional financing. He emphasized the importance of diversifying the economy beyond tourism—potentially expanding into fisheries, renewable energy, and financial services.
Reinforcing the value of its long-standing relationship with New Zealand, Elikana clarified that while partnerships with nations like China are on the rise, the Cook Islands will always prioritize its ties with New Zealand. Recently, Prime Minister Mark Brown signed a comprehensive strategic partnership with China, which has incited concerns about transparency and the implications for Cook Islands’ sovereignty, particularly among citizens and political opposition.
As the Cook Islands celebrates its 60th year of self-governance, Elikana urged for clarity in national priorities and reaffirmed the importance of valuing genuine partnerships that respect sovereignty and ensure tangible benefits for the people. He marked the National Sustainable Development Agenda 2020+ (NSDA2020+) as a vital roadmap towards a promising future.
Achieving a balanced international relationship while enhancing global engagement will be essential as Elikana called for the nation to remain agile and open to making bold choices. The Cook Islands stands at a crossroads, determined to leverage its historical ties with New Zealand and navigate the complexities of new partnerships to create a brighter, sustainable future for its citizens.
In conclusion, this commitment to evolve while honoring traditional relationships signals a hopeful pathway for the Cook Islands as it seeks to grow economically and sustainably, benefiting from collaborative efforts both locally and internationally.
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