Korean Government gifts motor vehicles and computer to the Cook Islands Government
The Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, the Honourable Tom Marsters, is pleased to announce that the Government of the Republic of Korea has gifted the Cook Islands Government 3 motor vehicles and 16 desktop computers.
The Minister has recently advised his Cabinet colleagues that this is a goodwill gesture by Korea as international relations begin to be developed.
The generous gift follows diplomatic visits to this country of Korea’s former Ambassador to New Zealand, H E Mr Kwang-Il Noh, in December 2010 and then again in April 2011. During his visit, the Ambassador kindly indicated to the DPM that his Government would be pleased to support the Cook Islands government, especially through the provision of computers and vehicles for the MFAI and Minister’s support office.
These wonderful resources were offered because the Korean Government were genuinely heartened by the government’s progress and plans for the future, which they wanted to recognise and to be a part of and due to the government’s hospitality towards their representatives.
“In September 2011, I wrote a Letter of Farewell and Appreciation to the Korean Ambassador, H E Mr Kwang-Il Noh, to thank him for his important introductory work in preparing the development of relations between our two countries”.
This steady development of relations has now been followed by a courtesy visit by First Secretary, Mr Kyongsig PARK of the Korean Embassy in Wellington. He visited Rarotonga on 28 November to 1 December 2011.
“Over the past several years the workload of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration and my Office have increased significantly, with the constantly increasing number of visits by foreign dignitaries to this country and it has been a challenge to deliver the kind of professional foreign affairs, immigration and protocol services required by Government,” observed the DPM.
The shipment of the gifts is expected to arrive in Rarotonga in late January 2012.
“Given the major events to be held this year, especially the Forum Leaders Meeting in August 2012 and related Meetings, these much-needed resources will greatly assist the Ministry and my office to carry out its important functions, both this year and beyond,” Minister Tom Marsters said.
The Cook Islands and Korea have strengthened their ties of national friendship and goodwill over recent years in other ways. This has included visits of senior representatives of each country to the other’s capitals. “I led one such visit to Korea, accompanied by the Leader of the Opposition in May last year. Such visits are very important in deepening mutual understanding and cooperation,” said the DPM.
“This Government looks forward to the continuing strengthening of relations with Korea, based on mutual respect and cooperation, in the months and years ahead in a wide range of areas, including on economic and social programs, energy and environmental issues and seabed mining. These matters will be explored further when representatives of Korea are in Rarotonga for the Forum in August,” concluded Minister Tom Marsters.

Herald Issue 554 09 March
- Norm exposes Trio of Doom
- Briefs from PM’s media conference Tuesday
- Tourism Industry ponders $5 million draft strategy
- Norman George resigns from Cook Islands Party
- Letter of Resignation from CIP
- Norman selfish says Prime Minister