US President Joe Biden recognized the sovereignty of the Cook Islands and Niue. He made the corresponding statement during the summit between the United States and the Pacific Islands, the transcript was published on September 30 on the White House website.
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“I am proud to announce that, after appropriate consultations, we will recognize the Cook Islands and Niue as sovereign states. <…> The United States intends to consult with all of you and cooperate at every step, because this is largely in our interests, and also, I hope, yours, ”Biden said.
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The US President stressed that Washington intends to further develop relations with them in order to strengthen the security of the Pacific region.
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Biden also announced funding for expanded US programs to improve the lives of Pacific Islanders.
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In addition, Biden expressed hope for the successful completion of negotiations with the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Republic of Palau on the conclusion of an agreement on free association.
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The Cook Islands and Niue have the status of self-governing state entities in free association with New Zealand. There are 15 islands in the Cook Islands archipelago. The population is about 20 thousand people. Most states do not recognize the sovereignty of the Cook Islands, but maintain diplomatic relations with them.
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In Niue, as of 2011, the population was about 2 thousand people. The independence of the island is also almost not recognized by the world community.
