Rarotonga, Cook Islands – August 2, 2025 – The Honorable Aren B. Palik, Vice President of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), led a delegation to Rarotonga to join the celebrations marking the Cook Islands’ 60th Anniversary of Self-Governance. The visit underscores the warm friendship between the FSM and the Cook Islands, grounded in shared values and a mutual commitment to advancing regional cooperation, particularly through the Smaller Island States (SIS) platform.

During his visit, Vice President Palik paid an official courtesy call on Prime Minister Mark Brown. Their discussions covered a range of mutual interests, including the Cook Islands’ success in tourism, the ongoing review of regional architecture, seabed mineral exploration, air connectivity to the North Pacific, and other areas of cooperation. Both leaders affirmed the importance of strengthening unity and solidarity among SIS members to enhance their cohesion and collective influence within the broader regional framework.

The highlight of the celebrations was the 60th Constitution Day Ceremony on August 4, 2025, featuring a solemn flag-raising event at the National Auditorium. Prime Minister Brown delivered his Constitution Day address before an audience that included Vice President Palik and dignitaries from across the region.

While in Rarotonga, Vice President Palik toured the research vessel Anuanua Moana, operated by Moana Minerals, where he received briefings on ongoing surveys for potential deep-sea mineral exploration within the Cook Islands’ Exclusive Economic Zone.

Vice President Palik was accompanied by Second Lady Adelita Palik, Ambassador Carson K. Sigrah and his spouse, along with support staff from the Office of the Vice President and the FSM Department of Foreign Affairs.

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