More than a year of strained relations between New Zealand and the Cook Islands appears to be at an end with the signing of a new defence and security declaration in Rarotonga.
The Pacific Island nation is part of the “Realm of New Zealand,” which means it should consult the New Zealand government before making decisions regarding foreign relations with other countries.
But a year ago it signed a comprehensive strategic partnership with Beijing without seeking New Zealand’s input.
The new deal (pdf) signals that the Cook Islands has rethought its push for independence from the country.
Aside from the commitment to joint defence and security interests, it will now “engage with New Zealand on any requests for defence and security before engagement with other partners” and only “discharge its foreign policy and diplomatic relationships subject to the constitutional limits of free association.”…
New Zealand and Pacific Nation Sign Defence Deal, Ending Year-Long Impasse Over CCP Ties
