Prime Minister Mark Brown of the Cook Islands is set to hand over the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders chairmanship to Tonga’s Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku during the upcoming PIF Leaders Meeting in Tonga from August 26-30, 2024. The transition will occur at the start of the meeting, which carries the theme “Transformative Resilient Pasifika: Build Better Now.”
In an interview with Cook Islands News, PM Brown expressed relief at passing on the chairmanship, noting the dual responsibilities of his role over the past year. “It’ll be a bit of a relief … as chair to not only do your duties as Prime Minister but also to represent the region for the whole year,” he said. Brown acknowledged the extensive travel required during his tenure and looked forward to the handover in Tonga.
Accompanying PM Brown to the meeting will be Foreign Affairs Minister Tingika Elikana and a small delegation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration. He acknowledged the logistical challenges of accommodating the large number of participants expected in Tonga, emphasising the importance of Cook Islands’ representation at the event.
Despite handing over the chairmanship, Brown will remain part of the PIF Troika, alongside the former and incoming chairs, until the leadership passes from Tonga to the Solomon Islands. Brown also highlighted ongoing discussions around key regional issues, including the Pacific Resilience Facility and tensions in New Caledonia.
Before the PIF meeting, Brown will lead a high-level mission to New Caledonia with leaders from Fiji and Solomon Islands.
