Pacific Islands Leaders arrive in the Cook Islands
3 November, 2023. Tonga Prime Minister, the Honourable Siaosi 'Ofakivahafolau Sovaleni along with Tonga Minister for Trade and Economic Development, the Honourable Dr Viliami Uasike Latu arrived in Rarotonga this afternoon.
On the same flight were the Tuvalu Prime Minister, the Honourable Kausea Natano, American Samoa Governor, Mr Lemanu Peleti Mauga, and High Commissioner to the Cook Islands for the Republic of Fiji, His Excellency Ratu Inoke Kubuabola.
The 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting will be held in the Cook Islands for one and a half week and all leaders of the Pacific Region are expecting to attend this annual event.
On arrival, they were received by Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) staff and greeted by officials from the government of the Cook Islands - receiving a special gate-side event that included live music and entertainment, a traditional blessing and prayer, and special remarks from Deputy Prime Minister the Honourable Robert Tapaitau, and Cook Islands High Commissioner to New Zealand, Her Excellency Kairangi Samuela.
The Prime Ministers of Tonga and Tuvalu are the first leaders from the Pacific to arrive in Rarotonga and majority of the other leaders are expecting to arrive in the Cook Islands in the weekend.
