The Governor-General of New Zealand the Hon Anand Satyanand will make his first official visit to the Cook Islands next week, reinforcing the close ties between the two South Pacific states.
A press release from the Government said Thursday during his four-day stay, the Governor-General will meet the Queen's Representative, Sir Frederick Goodwin, and the Prime Minister, the Hon Jim Marurai, and attend a series of formal meetings in Rarotonga.
They will also attend the official opening of the Cook Islands Returned Services Association's new Clubhouse and visit the island of Aitutaki.
The Cook Islands are part of the Realm of New Zealand, but since 1965 the 15 islands that make up the South Pacific state have been self-governing in free association with New Zealand.
The Cook Islands and New Zealand have a common citizenship and currency. The 2006 Census revealed that 58,000 people of Cook Islands descent now live in New Zealand, up 10 percent on five years earlier.
The Governor-General said relationship between Cook Islands and New Zealand "is now well founded on the principle of partnership."
"This visit is an opportunity to endorse the two-way ties between New Zealand and the Cook Islands," said Anand Satyanand.
Source: Xinhua
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