FSM and Cook Islands establish diplomatic relations

Shaking hands: Cook Islands Prime Minister Henry Puna, left, and FSM President Manny Mori. Mr. Jeem Lippwe, Deputy Chief of Mission for the FSM Permanent Mission to the United Nations witnessing the ceremony 

September 24, 2014 (New York) – The Federated States of Micronesia and the Cook Islands today signed a joint communiqué for the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The signing ceremony, which took place at the Permanent Mission of Micronesia to the United Nations in New York, was officiated by the Federated States of Micronesia President Emanuel ‘Manny’ Mori and the Prime Minister of the Cook Islands, Hon. Henry Puna.

In the ensuing discussions after the ceremony, the two leaders expressed their readiness to develop mutually beneficial bilateral relations in the political and economic areas and to address climate change and other high priorities of Pacific islands countries.

The Cook Islands becomes the sixty-ninth country with which the FSM has established diplomatic relations.

The meeting was attended by the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Lorin Robert, Ambassadors Ms. Jane Chigiyal and Mr. Asterio Takesy as well as Mission and Embassy staff. Deputy Permanent Representative, Mr. Jeem Lippwe acted as witness. Ms. Dallas Young witnessed for Cook Islands.