U.S deputy secretary of State Kurt Campbell has met with Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown Friday.

The deputy secretary highlighted the growing partnership between the countries this last year due to the United States’ official recognition of the Cook Islands.

Campbell also highlighted how the work of the Partners in the Blue Pacific aligns with the Pacific Islands 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.

The Deputy Secretary and Prime Minister discussed cooperation in science-based exploration of seabed mineral resources to protect and better understand the marine environment.