TO THE 31ST INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE RED CROSS, GENEVA, 28 NOVEMBER 2011

May I begin by expressing my appreciation to the Swiss Government and the IFRC for the hospitality extended to me and my delegation since our arrival in Geneva.  
We are also grateful to the ICRC for the assistance extended to the Cook Islands since our country became a member of this great Movement in 2003.
May I also say that my country is deeply honoured to have one of its own nationals, Ms Miki Rattle,  to chair this most important Conference. 

Friday 16 December 2011

In a simple yet meaningful ceremony held at the Embassy of the Philippines in Wellington on Monday, 12 December 2011, the Cook Islands and the Philippines formally established diplomatic relations through the signing of a Joint Communiqué by the Cook Islands High Commissioner H.E. Tekaotiki Matapo and Philippines Ambassador H.E. Virginia H. Benavidez for their respective governments. 

The Cook Islands and the Philippines have always maintained friendly relations and have supported each other in many common issues affecting the two countries such as maritime safety and climate change.  The establishment of diplomatic ties further cements this friendship and the two countries look forward to deepening the cooperation existing between them.  The formal establishment of relations becomes even more relevant and timely as the Cook Islands will be hosting next year’s Pacific Islands Forum and the Philippines is a dialogue partner.  This highlights the increasing interaction and connectivity of countries in the global arena. 

The Cook Islands hosts a number of Filipino citizens in the professional and service sectors.  “The Cook Islands looks forward to increased cooperation and collaboration with the Philippines in a range of areas, both bilaterally and multilaterally,” said High Commissioner Matapo. 

“Likewise, the Philippines will continue to build on the strong foundation of friendship and partnership with the Cook Islands in the political, economic, socio-cultural and people-to-people ties and to work hand-in-hand to fulfil our collective goal of peace, progress and prosperity in our part of the world,” Ambassador Benavidez stated.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by the Heads of Missions of the ASEAN and Pacific Island countries and senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of New Zealand.

The Ministry would like to acknowledge Mr Alan Raga of “My Photograph” for providing the photos.

Monday 28 November l2011

Prime Minister, Hon Henry Puna, today reiterated the Cook Islands firm commitment to the Red Cross Movement and international humanitarian law that protects individuals in times of armed conflict.

Addressing the 31st International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement in Geneva Switzerland he said it was important for all members of the international community, both big and small, to work together to support the Red Cross and promote respect for international humanitarian law.

Message from Ms Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO on the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of violence Against Women, 25 November 2011

Violence against women strikes our societies to the heart. This is a brutal violation of the dignity of individuals and an affront to their human rights. It diminishes us all. This International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is an opportunity to join together to end it.

This violence shows no discrimination. It may be physical, sexual, psychological or economic. It can occur during conflict or at a time of peace. It affects women of all ages, origins and social class. It takes in every culture and region across the globe.

The consequences are devastating -- for individuals, communities and societies. This violence affects the health of women. It impacts on their ability to participate fully in social, economic and public life. It reinforces other forms of discrimination and deprivation. It holds societies back from inclusive and sustainable development, and it undermines efforts to reach the Millennium Development Goals.

Tuesday 15 November 2011

The Hon. Tom Marsters, Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, is pleased to announce that Government has given its agreement to the appointment of His Excellency Dr Alessandro Levi Sandri as Ambassador of Italy to the Cook Islands.

Ambassador Levi Sandri is based in Wellington and is concurrently accredited to Kiribati, Marshall Islands, New Zealand, Niue, Pitcairn, Samoa, Tonga, Tokelau and Tuvalu.

Diplomatic Relations between the Cook Islands and Italy were established in 2002. Ambassador Sandri will be the fourth Italian Ambassador to present his credentials to the Queen’s Representative.

Wednesday 2 November 2011 

The Cook Islands has decided to run for elections to the Executive Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) which takes place at the end of this month.  Based in London, IMO is the UN specialised agency responsible for the safety of life at sea, maritime security and the protection of the marine environment through prevention of sea pollution caused by ships.  As a member of the Organization, the Cook Islands felt that it was important to bring the voice of small island developing states (SIDS) from the Pacific to the decision making table of the Executive Council.  No Pacific country has ever served on the Executive Council and the Cook Islands have high hopes that it will be the voice of the SIDS will be heard at the forthcoming elections. 

Monday 24th October 2011

The Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, the Hon Tom Marsters, will represent the Cook Islands at the Commonwealth and Developing Small States Foreign Ministers Meeting to be held in Perth, Western Australia, this week.  His participation in the Meeting is in response to a specific invitation from his Australian counterpart, Mr Kevin Rudd, the Australian Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The objectives of the meeting are to identify: the challenges that developing small States are facing in the context of climate change and sustainable development; their priorities for addressing those challenges; and ways in which the Commonwealth and other States can advance those priorities in international fora.