Bilateral talks

The two leaders during their first meeting, discussed key areas of cooperation to further advance Fiji and Cook Island’s bilateral relations.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Rabuka emphasized that Fiji places great importance on its relations with the Cook Islands as Pacific Island Developing States and stewards of large maritime spaces.

He adds that the bilateral relations have grown over the years, through collective participation and advocacy in regional and at international forums.

The two leaders exchanged views on climate change, developmental cooperation and cooperation in international forums.

Waqa was in India to attend the first meeting of the ISA.

Nauru and India established diplomatic ties in 1968.

Photo MEA India

The two leaders talked about maritime cooperation. "After the meeting, they agreed to cooperate on the development of maritime and marine resources," Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi said after accompanying Jokowi at the meeting.

She added that the scope of cooperation included the exchange of information about illegal, unregulated and unreported (IUU) fishing and finding ways to solve the problem.

According to a RNZ report, an official with Indonesia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Jauhari said the purpose of the visit was to discuss how to increase bilateral relations.

He said the delegation met with Nauru President Baron Waqa and his cabinet, and discussed development in Indonesia, including in Papua region.

President Waqa invited Indonesia to attend celebrations for Nauru's 49th anniversary of independence at the end of January next year.

Among the delegation was an Indonesian government consultant on West Papuan affairs, Franzalbert Joku.