New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins says military presence doesn't necessarily signify militarisation. Hipkins said he has had constructive conversations with PNG's Prime Minister James Marape and Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown. The message to all Pacific nations was New Zealand is a trusted partner, with the interests of all Pacific nations at heart, but recognises they are sovereign nations, Hipkins said. The Cook Islands economy is highly dependent on tourism, and Hipkins said the funding would help the country continue to deliver essential services. "The Cook Islands government is managing its country's recovery impressively, but an unprecedented 41 percent economic contraction from Covid-19 can't be underestimated."
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