In the bustling port city of Xiamen, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Cook Islands Foreign Minister Tingika Elikana during the third China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers Meeting. Both leaders pledged to deepen cooperation on marine resource development, climate action, and economic growth.
Wang Yi highlighted the complementary strengths of China and the Cook Islands. “Both China and the Cook Islands should leverage their complementary advantages in practical cooperation, strengthen collaboration in key areas such as marine resource development and protection, and better support the Cook Islands economic development and improve peoples livelihoods,” said Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.
Reaffirming their shared commitment to the one-China principle, Wang noted that China values its relations with the Cook Islands and will continue to support the island nation in safeguarding its national sovereignty, choosing a development path suited to its conditions, and playing a constructive role in regional affairs.
On climate and coastal stewardship, both ministers agreed to uphold the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities. China expressed readiness to work with the Cook Islands on building a fair, reasonable, and win-win global climate governance system that addresses the special concerns of small island states.
Echoing this spirit of partnership, Tingika Elikana thanked China for its long-term support and assistance. She confirmed the Cook Islands’ commitment to the one-China principle and expressed eagerness to expand mutually beneficial collaboration across trade, sustainable tourism, and marine conservation.
As the third China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers Meeting unfolds, both sides see fresh opportunities to enhance solidarity among island nations and to chart a joint course toward sustainable development and resilience in a changing world.
Reference(s):
China, Cook Islands foreign ministers vow to strengthen cooperation
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