Central Province, Cook Islands Renew Historic Friendship

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Central Province and the Cook Islands have formally renewed their historic friendship and cultural ties dating back more than 150 years through the signing of a Sister Province Partnership Arrangement at APEC Haus on May 12. The landmark agreement was signed between Central Province Governor Rufina Peter and Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown following the signing of the inaugural Framework on Development Cooperation between Papua New Guinea and the Cook Islands by Prime Minister James Marape and Prime Minister Brown. The signing ceremony, held on the margins of the inaugural Melanesian Oceans Summit, was described as a historic and symbolic moment reflecting the deep spiritual and cultural connections established through the arrival of early Christian missionaries from the London Missionary Society to the shores of Central Province more than a century ago. Governor Peter said the agreement marked another “Jubilee Year blessing” for Central Province and reaffirmed the province’s commitment to strengthening ties with the Cook Islands.

Central Province Madam Governor, Rufina Peter, and member for Rigo District and Minister for Planning Sir Ano Pala together with acting Central Provincial Administrator Mr. Magini Raga signing the agreement.

“It is a great honour to formally renew and recommit to strengthening the Central Province–Cook Islands relationship under the inaugural Framework on Development Cooperation between our two nations,” she said. Governor Peter said the partnership would create opportunities for collaboration in culture and heritage, education and youth exchanges, women’s empowerment, tourism, climate resilience, agriculture and cooperatives, sports diplomacy, trade and investment, and people-to-people engagement. “These missionaries shaped our communities, education and faith. We honour that history while looking to the future,” she said. She thanked the governments of Papua New Guinea and the Cook Islands, the respective foreign affairs ministries, diplomatic representatives, traditional leaders, churches, officials and communities for their support in bringing the arrangement to fruition. “Today’s ceremony reaffirms that the ocean connects our peoples. We commit to continued friendship, mutual respect and cooperation for future generations,” Governor Peter said. “On behalf of the people of Central Province, I extend our gratitude to the Government and people of the Cook Islands and look forward to sustained cooperation and friendship.” The agreement is expected to strengthen bilateral engagement between Central Province and Rarotonga through cultural exchange programs, economic cooperation and regional partnerships aimed at improving the lives of people in both communities.

“Meitaki ranuinui. Tanikiu Badaherea. Thank you. May God bless our friendship,” Governor Peter said.