Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown will visit China from February 10 to 14, marking the first visit by a leader of the island nation in a decade. Brown aims to expand economic opportunities, discussing trade, climate, investment, and infrastructure while maintaining national sovereignty.
The visit comes as China increases its influence in the Pacific, following concerns from some island nations over U.S. President Donald Trump’s foreign aid freeze, migration policies, and withdrawal from the Paris Agreement.
Brown described the trip as part of a broader strategy to strengthen relations with New Zealand, Australia, and China, ensuring Cook Islands’ economic and strategic interests remain a priority.
The Cook Islands, an independent nation in free association with New Zealand, controls its domestic and foreign affairs but relies on New Zealand for defense and emergency assistance. The nation has 15,000 residents, with nearly 100,000 Cook Island Maori living in New Zealand.
During the visit, Brown said a joint action plan for comprehensive strategic partnership with China will be finalized, though details remain unclear. New Zealand has urged consultation on agreements that may have strategic or security implications.
In December, the Cook Islands’ proposal to introduce its own passports was rejected by New Zealand, though discussions on full independence remain open.
Despite suffering significant leadership losses from Israeli airstrikes, Iran retains a robust missile arsenal—including advanced systems—allowing it to maintain retaliatory attacks over an extended period.
On June 19, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev arrived in Türkiye for a working visit.
One of the region’s largest innovation events, “Baku ID-2025”, has officially kicked off in Baku. Organized by SABAH.HUB in partnership with government agencies and leading representatives of the private sector, this year’s festival is held under the theme “The Regional Nexus”.
President Donald Trump has said he will make a decision in the coming two weeks on whether the United States will strike Iran, citing a possibility of upcoming negotiations.
South Korea’s new administration proposed $14.7 billion in additional spending on Thursday to boost weak domestic demand, as President Lee Jae Myung pushes economic recovery as his top priority.
Despite suffering significant leadership losses from Israeli airstrikes, Iran retains a robust missile arsenal—including advanced systems—allowing it to maintain retaliatory attacks over an extended period.
On June 19, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev arrived in Türkiye for a working visit.
One of the region’s largest innovation events, “Baku ID-2025”, has officially kicked off in Baku. Organized by SABAH.HUB in partnership with government agencies and leading representatives of the private sector, this year’s festival is held under the theme “The Regional Nexus”.
President Donald Trump has said he will make a decision in the coming two weeks on whether the United States will strike Iran, citing a possibility of upcoming negotiations.
South Korea’s new administration proposed $14.7 billion in additional spending on Thursday to boost weak domestic demand, as President Lee Jae Myung pushes economic recovery as his top priority.
Peace is no longer a dream. It is a discussion. On the streets of Baku and Yerevan, it is also a question, of trust, of foreign interests, and of who truly wants it.
Israeli strikes have reportedly targeted areas near the residences of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, according to the New York Times, citing local witnesses.
Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) has cancelled certain flights scheduled for 13th and 14th June amid recent escalation of situation in the Middle East and the closure of airspace in several countries for security reasons.
The 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit was held June 15–17 in Kananaskis, Alberta, under Canada’s presidency. Prime Minister Mark Carney framed the meeting around priorities of protecting communities, energy and climate security, the digital transition, and future partnerships.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 17th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi has strongly rejected allegations that the IAEA Board of Governors’ June 12 report provided Israel with justification to attack Iran. Grossi emphasized that the agency’s role and reports can never be used to legitimize
President Donald Trump has said he will make a decision in the coming two weeks on whether the United States will strike Iran, citing a possibility of upcoming negotiations.
Iran's foreign minister is expected in Istanbul on Saturday for a key Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) council meeting as regional tensions rise over Israel's strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.
The U.S. Embassy in Qatar has temporarily barred its personnel from entering Al Udeid Air Base due to rising regional tensions linked to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran.
The World Bank has approved a $640 million loan to Bangladesh to help improve gas supply security and reduce dangerous air pollution in urban areas.
Despite suffering significant leadership losses from Israeli airstrikes, Iran retains a robust missile arsenal—including advanced systems—allowing it to maintain retaliatory attacks over an extended period.
On June 19, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev arrived in Türkiye for a working visit.
One of the region’s largest innovation events, “Baku ID-2025”, has officially kicked off in Baku. Organized by SABAH.HUB in partnership with government agencies and leading representatives of the private sector, this year’s festival is held under the theme “The Regional Nexus”.
President Donald Trump has said he will make a decision in the coming two weeks on whether the United States will strike Iran, citing a possibility of upcoming negotiations.
South Korea’s new administration proposed $14.7 billion in additional spending on Thursday to boost weak domestic demand, as President Lee Jae Myung pushes economic recovery as his top priority.
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