The Government of National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) is exploring a potential labour mobility scheme with the Cook Islands, which could see Solomon Islands nurses and doctors employed in the Pacific nation.
Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele confirmed the discussions following his return from the Pacific Islands Leaders’ TROIKA Meeting held in Nadi, Fiji, last week.
During the meeting, PM Manele held bilateral talks with Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown to discuss a range of shared interests, including labour mobility.
“We are looking for opportunities, for example, for our nurses and possibly doctors as well,” PM Manele said.
In response, the Cook Islands government expressed openness to the proposal and said it would consider the initiative. If negotiations proceed as expected, both nations aim to formalize the agreement during the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting, scheduled to take place in Honiara from 8–12 September 2025.
The Cook Islands, a self-governing nation in free association with New Zealand, comprises 15 islands with a combined land area of 236.7 square kilometres. Its capital, Avarua, is located on the island of Rarotonga.
The Solomon Islands government has been actively expanding its labour mobility initiatives, having already established partnerships with Australia and New Zealand. The move to engage with the Cook Islands marks a strategic effort to broaden employment opportunities for Solomon Islanders in the region.
By LACHLAN SHYVES EDDIE
Solomon Star, Honiara
