| Briefing of Relations between China and the Cook Islands |
|
| 2008-07-25 11:15 Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the P. R. China |
I. Bilateral Political Relations
China established diplomatic relations with the Cook Islands on July 25, 1997. The bilateral relations have developed smoothly since the establishment of diplomatic ties. In April 2004, at the invitation of Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, after participating in the 60th Session of U.N. Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) held in Shanghai, Robert Woonton, the Prime Minister of the Cook Islands visited China officially. In November 2005, the Prime Minister of the Cook Islands, Jim Marurai, came to China to attend the 7th China International Travel Mart held in Kunming. In April 2006, Premier Wen Jiabao met the Prime Minister Jim Marurai during the meeting of China-Pacific Island Countries Economic Development and Cooperation Forum in Fiji. In May 2007, at the invitation of Mapu Taia, the Speaker of the House of the Cook Islands, Ji Peiding, the member of NPC Standing Committee and vice chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, attended the Dialogue of the 16th Pacific Islands Forum Parliamentary Assembly with a delegation. In September 2007, the Prime Minister Jim Marurai paid an official visit to China at the invitation of Premier Wen Jiabao.
II. Cooperation in Tourism
In August 2004, the Chinese government announced approval of the Cook Islands as outbound tourism destination of Chinese citizens.
III. Cooperation in Agriculture and Fishery
In agriculture and fishery, China and the Cook Islands are highly complementary to each other, and have some potential in cooperation. In 2000, China sent a delegation of fishing industry to visit the pearl cultivation and capture fishery in Cook Islands. In 2001, China sent two agricultural technical personnel to Cook Islands to carry out guidance and training of vegetable growing techniques, provided high-quality vegetable varieties, and also received the study and investigation of Cook agricultural technical personnel in China. In 2004, China and 8 South Pacific island countries including the Cook Islands signed the South-South Cooperation Tripartite Agreement under the framework of UNFAO Special Program for Food Security, carrying out a two-year agricultural technical assistance for the eight South Pacific island countries.
IV. Cooperation in Culture
In 1998, China National Acrobatic Troupe performed in the Cook Islands and participated in the Constitution Day activities. In 1999, Cook Islands Song and Dance Troupe participated in China International Song and Dance Festival and performed in Shanghai, Beijing and other 10 cities. In September 2007, the Cook Islands delegation came to China to attend the 7th China International Folk Art Festival.
V. Cooperation in Education
From 2003/2004 academic year, China has annually provided a scholarship quota to the Cook Islands.
VI. Chinese Ambassador to the Cook Islands
Chinese ambassador of New Zealand and the Cook Islands: Zhang Yuanyuan.
On February 26, 2006, Zhang Yuanyuan presented credentials to the representatives of Queen of the Cook Islands.
Address: 6 Glenmore Street Wellington N. Z.
Tel: 00-644-4721382
Fax: 4990419 |
