The Cook Islands prime minister Henry Puna says he plans to continue talks with the New Zealand Prime Minister John Key on his wish for the Cook Islands to become a member of the United Nations.
Cook Islands Prime Minister Henry Puna Photo: Phillipa Webb / Cook Islands News
Mr Puna says the government has not moved on in its hopes to become a member of the UN in respect for the relationship the Cook Islands has with New Zealand.
Earlier this month, Mr Key rebuffed Mr Puna's bid but he says discussions on the issue will continue when Mr Key visits Rarotonga in August to celebrate 50 years of self-government.
The Minister of Internal Affairs, Albert Nicholas, has made a ministerial statement in parliament highlighting the Cook Islands' recent success in joining the UN's International Labour Organisation.