27 May 2019

Cook Islands and NZ ministers meet

6:39 pm on 27 May 2019

Action to address climate change and health issues have been discussed at annual talks between Cook Islands and New Zealand ministers.

Winston Peters

Winston Peters Photo: Ana Tovey / RNZ

Ministerial teams led by the Cook Islands prime minister Henry Puna and New Zealand's deputy prime minister Winston Peters have met in Aitutaki for the 7th Joint Ministerial Forum.

A statement from the New Zealand side said there were important inroads on issues such as extending pension portability, an update on the Manatua cable and enhancing links between the countries' ministries and agencies including in the health sector.

The ministers also discussed new priorities and improved cooperation including on infrastructure development, security, fisheries, the Pacific Island Forum and climate change.