1. The Republic of Korea and the Cook Islands will sign a joint statement on the establishment of diplomatic relations in Rarotonga, Cook Islands, on February 22. The ROK’s Ambassador to New Zealand Park Yong-kyu and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Tom Marsters of the Cook Islands will sign the statement on behalf of their governments.

2. The Cook Islands is a country in the southern Pacific made up of 15 islands and has a population of some 10,000. Pacific island countries, including the Cook Islands, have vast exclusive economic zones (EEZs). As such, the diplomatic relations with the Cook Islands, when established, are expected to contribute greatly to the ROK securing fisheries and other marine resources as well as support for its bids to join international organizations and host international conferences.

3. The Cook Islands will mark the 190th country with which the ROK has forged diplomatic relations.

                          Spokesperson and the Deputy Minister for Public Relations of MOFAT

* unofficial translation