Establishment of Relations:
The Cook Islands became a self-governing nation
in ‘free association’ with New Zealand in 1965. Ambassador Michael Ronen established diplomatic
relations with the Cook Islands in April 2008.
Current Ambassador:
His
Excellency Ran Yaakoby Ambassador of Israel to the Cook
Islands.
Visa and immigration arrangements:
Cook Islands citizens travelling
to Israel on a New Zealand passport for a visit (Business/Tourist) of 90 days
or less do not require a visa. Only those traveling to Israel
Employment/Work/Student require a visa.
Common Interests:
Israel is working with the Cook Islands Government to
improve the health of
people in the Pacific. In particular Israel aims to assist with the development, implementation and growth of
Cook Islands Agricultural industry.
Aid and MASHAV:
Israel actively contributes towards the improvement of
the Cook Island Health sector. Israel has given a number of donations through
the Insulin for Life charity in effort to improve the availability of insulin to the Cook Island people
who cannot afford or access Insulin and diabetes supplies.
Israel also works with Cook Islands in areas of Education
and Sports, facilitating the donation of sports equipment from the Reagan
Milstein foundation.
Recent Official Visits:
Cook Island to Israel
May 2012 Health and
Education Minister Hon Nandi Tuaine Glassie attended the Agri-tech Conference
in Israel.
Israel to Cook Island
May 2022: Ambassador Ran Yaakoby first official accreditation visit to Cook Islands.
August 2017: Ambassador Itzhak Gerberg visit to the Cook Islands.
April 2016: Ambassador
Yosef Livnes farewell visit to the Cook Islands meeting with Prime Minister Hon
Henry Puna and cabinet ministers.
August 2015: Ambassador
Yosef Livne attended the 50th Anniversary of Cook Island
Independence meeting with the Prime Minister and Queens Representative.
December 2014: Ambassador
Yosef Livne presented credentials to the Queens Representative Hon Tom John Marsters and met with
Prime Minister Hon Henry Puna and cabinet ministers.
August 2012: Delegation form Israel led by Ambassador
Shemi Tzur along with Senior Deputy Director General for Political Affairs
Ambassador Ran Kurriel participated in Pacific Island Forum.
May 2011: Ambassador
Shemi Tzur presented his credentials to the Queens Representative.