A historic meeting between leaders of the so-called “NZ-Realm” countries took place for the first time, in Apia today. Participants were: the Prime Minister of Cook Islands, Henry Puna; the Premier of Niue, Toke Tufukia Talagi; the Ulu of Tokelau, Aliki Faipule Kuresa Nasau; and their officials. Their discussions highlighted the difficulty of their countries being heard in their own right around the table at international meetings. They agreed that they will continue to pursue their right to membership of international organisations. The Leaders agreed that the proposed way forward for future meetings was to continue to discuss what the Realm means to each. They acknowledged their countries were at different stages of development in transition to full statehood; this may present challenges in their work together. To guide further discussions on this, the Leaders agreed to share information on the Realm. |
Premier of Niue, Toke Tufukia Talagi, the Ulu of Tokelau, Aliki Faipule Kuresa Nasau, and the Prime Minister of Cook Islands, Henry Puna. |
The Leaders supported the Cook Islands in their pursuit to expand their international profile. They agreed to work together and support each other in achieving their aspirations. The next meeting was proposed to occur around the margins of the Cook Islands celebrations of their 50th anniversary in August 2015. |
The historic meeting of leaders from the “NZ-Realm countries" taking place for the first time, in the Tokelau-SIDS engagement facility in Apia. |
Above: Premier Toke Tufukia Talagi and Dr Josie Tamate, Director-General of Ministry of Natural Resources in Niue. Right: Premier Henry Puna and Mrs Myra Pata, Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs , Cook Islands |