The Cook Islands and Malta have established formal diplomatic relations.
Cook Islands PM Henry Puna and Malta's Foreign Minister Carmelo Abela Photo: RNZI/Florence Syme Buchanan
The Cook Islands prime minister, Henry Puna, signed the joint communique with Malta's foreign minister, Carmelo Abela, providing a foundation for the two countries to explore further co-operation.
The signing ceremony took place during the Oceans Conference held in Malta.