Joint Media Release

Embassy of the People's Republic of China and Cook Islands High Commission

16 July 2020

China provides COVID-19 PPE Supplies to Cook Islands

The Ambassador for the People's Republic of China to the Cook Islands, HE Wu Xi, and Cook Islands High Commissioner to New Zealand, HE Elizabeth Wright-Koteka, jointly signed the document to formalise the donation by China of PPE supplies to the Cook Islands at the High Commission earlier this week.

The supplies were granted by China to the Cook Islands in March,intended to assist the Cook Islands with their medical preparedness in the event that the pandemic reached its shores.

The provision of PPE supplies is just one tenet of wider support that China has provided to the Cook Islands over the years. "China attaches great significance to developing the comprehensive strategic partnership featuring mutual respect and common development with the Cook Islands", said Ambassador Wu Xi. "Since the outbreak of the COVID-19, China has shared experience with the Pacific Island Countries through virtual Health Experts' Conference and the Vice Ministers' Special Meeting on COVID-19, and provided the much needed medical materials for the prevention and control of the pandemic. China is committed to continued cooperation with and support to the Pacific Island Countries in the fight against the pandemic. "

"We are very grateful to the Embassy and Government of China for the provision of these supplies" said High Commissioner Wright-Koteka. "This came at a time when the Cook Islands was focusing heavily on preparing ourselves for the worst case scenario, and the confirmation of support and the provision of protective equipment that could help to save lives was timely, welcome and reaffirmed our strong relationship with China."

The two Governments will continue to work closely in the coming months, both bilaterally and as part of the global response to COVID-19 recovery.