‘Nothing to worry about’: Prime Minister Brown on China agreement

Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown has reaffirmed his commitment to publishing the Joint Action Plan for Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) 2025-2030 agreement with China.

Brown and his delegation returned on Monday (NZ time) from their weeklong state visit and were welcomed at Rarotonga International Airport by the Ui Ariki, Religious Advisory Council, Cabinet Ministers, and families.

In a press conference, Brown said the comprehensive strategic partnership will be “out online very shortly, people can see for themselves”.

He also acknowledged concerns raised by New Zealand regarding the lack of consultation on the agreement, adding that after New Zealand has reviewed their agreement with China, “there will be nothing for them to be concerned about”.

“When they read our comprehensive strategic partnership, I hope they read it in partnership with New Zealand’s own comprehensive strategic partnership and then tell me where the differences are that causes concern,” Brown says.

“I’m very happy, as I said, for our action plan document to be put out to the public sphere for everybody to have a look at it.

"I’m sure once the New Zealand Government has a look at it that there will be nothing for them to be concerned about.”

This article was republished with the permission of the Cook Islands News.