Cook Islands PM speaks for the first time since NZ relations soured over China deal | ABC News

In August this year Cook Islands will celebrate 60 years of self-governance in free association with Aotearoa. It means the island nation conducts its own affairs, but Aotearoa needs to assist when it comes to foreign affairs, disasters, and defence.

The relationship has soured in recent months, with Cook Islands at the center of a geopolitical storm after New Zealand was left out of discussions around a deal with China.

In the deal, China will contribute towards areas such as trade, infrastructure, education, fisheries and the sustainable use of ocean resources.

Now the dust has somewhat settled, Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown spoke with ‘The Pacific’ in his first international interview since all the commotion.

‘The Pacific’ is hosted by Johnson Raela and Alice Lolohea.
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