Published on 1 February 2026

Bilateral relations Switzerland–Cook Islands

Relations between Switzerland and the Cook Islands are limited. There is no trade between Switzerland and this sparsely populated Pacific island nation.

Key aspects of diplomatic relations

Switzerland cooperates with all the Pacific island states along these four axes:

  • International Geneva: Switzerland provides all Pacific island states with financial and logistical support to open permanent missions to the UN and other international organisations in Geneva. This enables these micro-states to voice their concerns and interests within the international community.
  • Through organisations such as the Asian Development Bank, the Green Climate Fund and others, the Pacific region benefits indirectly from Swiss financial contributions, particularly in the area of climate change.
  • Specific projects in the fields of human security, human rights and humanitarian aid: Switzerland operates a humanitarian aid centre in Bangkok capable of providing emergency assistance to the Pacific states in the event of natural disasters such as cyclones.
  • Small-scale projects are implemented with the support of the Swiss embassies in Wellington, Canberra and Manila.

The Swiss embassy in Wellington, New Zealand, handles diplomatic relations, which are limited to ad hoc contacts and cooperation within a multilateral framework.

Tourism in the Cook Islands

Official website of the Cook Islands government

Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP)

Cooperation in the domain of education

Scholars and artists from the Cook Islands can apply for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships to the State Secretariat for Education Research and Innovation (SERI).

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Scholars and Artists, SERI

Swiss nationals in the Cook Islands

At the end of 2021, there were 21 Swiss citizens living in the Cook Islands.

History of bilateral relations

The universality of Switzerland’s foreign policy led it to establish diplomatic relations with the Cook Islands in 2010.

Cook Islands, Historical Dictionary of Switzerland (de, fr, it)

Contact Helpline FDFA

365 days a year – around the clock

The Helpline FDFA deals as central contact point with matters relating to consular services.