The Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI) congratulated Cook Islands on the occasion of their Constitution Day.
RAMSI Special Coordinator, Tim George, said Cook Islands had been a strong supporter of RAMSI, providing personnel to the mission since 2003.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the Cook Islands Government and people for their on-going commitment to the Solomon Islands and RAMSI in continuously contributing members of its police force.” Mr George said.
Mr George said he wished Cook Islands well on their National Day celebrations today and thanked them on behalf all members of the Regional Assistance Mission for their valuable contribution to Solomon Islands efforts to be a safe, well-governed and prosperous nation.
He said he would particularly like to congratulate and thank the Contingent Commander Matepaka Tangapiri and Iva Parima the two Cook Islands police officers currently serving in the Participating Police Force.
The two officers make up the fourth contingent that Cook Islands has sent to serve in RAMSI.
Contingent Commander Matepaka Tangapiri said being away from home on the special day will be sad but he will be joined by colleagues to celebrate the occasion.

“I will certainly miss our special day back home but it is also good to team up with others who are in mission to mark the occasion,” he said.

At the main RAMSI headquarters, in the Solomon Islands capital city, Honiara, the Cook Islands flag was flown as a show of appreciation to the Cook Islands Contingent by the Participating Police Force.

Cook Islands today marks 42 years of self rule.