Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown pledged to strengthen bilateral relations during a high-profile meeting at the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin. The leaders emphasized expanding cooperation in trade, infrastructure, and climate resilience, with a focus on boosting tourism and cultural exchanges between the two nations.
Li highlighted China's commitment to supporting the Cook Islands' development through projects under the Belt and Road Initiative, particularly in marine sustainability and agriculture. He also proposed importing more Cook Islands products, including seafood and agriculture goods, while encouraging cultural collaboration in education and health sectors.
Brown praised China's role as a \\"key partner\\" in advancing regional stability and thanked Beijing for its long-term support for Pacific island nations. He reaffirmed adherence to the one-China principle and expressed interest in deepening climate cooperation, calling for a \\"fair global governance system\\" to address environmental challenges.
The meeting marked 28 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries, with both sides agreeing to strengthen people-to-people exchanges. Tourism emerged as a key theme, with China pledging to increase travel to the South Pacific archipelago known for its coral reefs and Polynesian culture.
Reference(s):
Li: China willing to deepen political mutual trust with Cook Islands
cgtn.com
