Cuban Ambassador participates in the 60th anniversary of the independence of the Cook Islands.

Wellington, 8 August 2025 — The Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to the Cook Islands, Luis Ernesto Morejón Rodríguez, took part in the celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of independence in free association with New Zealand, an event that brought together government authorities, diplomatic representatives, and island communities to commemorate six decades of history, identity, and self-government.

As part of the festivities, which coincided with the traditional Te Maeva Nui festival, the Ambassador held official meetings with prominent figures of the Cook Islands Government, including: His Excellency Sir Tom Marsters, King’s Representative; Hon. Mark Brown, Prime Minister of the Cook Islands; and Hon. Tingika Elikana, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

During the discussions, topics of mutual interest were addressed, such as cooperation in the health sector and the training of human resources, as well as the importance of strengthening ties between island nations and Caribbean countries, particularly in the areas of climate change adaptation and sustainable development.

Ambassador Morejón Rodríguez conveyed the congratulations of the Cuban people and Government on this significant anniversary and reaffirmed the commitment of the largest island of the Antilles to continue strengthening bilateral relations and friendship with the Cook Islands.

The 60th anniversary celebrations featured parades, artistic performances, official ceremonies, and community activities that brought together national and international delegations, as well as members of the diaspora. The event stood out as a historic moment to reaffirm national identity and to project new opportunities for international cooperation.