The prime minister says the 60th anniversary of the Cook Islands' constitution is still a special occasion, despite tensions between the two countries.
Christopher Luxon is in Port Moresby today to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic ties with Papua New Guinea.
He told reporters he had not been in contact with Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown today - but that should not distract from the nation's celebrations.
Relations with the Cook Islands have been strained since Brown signed several deals with China without consulting New Zealand.
NZ PM Christopher Luxon views a mortar training and live firing exercise with NZDF and Papua New Guinea troops. Photo: RNZ / Russell Palmer
Earlier, Luxon was warmly welcomed by Papua New Guinea's prime minister James Marape during his visits.
Marape thanked New Zealand for its support, as one of the eight countries to diplomatically support Papua New Guinea - a former Australian territory - before it declared independence.
Luxon in turn talked of Papua New Guinea's great potential for growth, saying while Australia and New Zealand would both continue to support that growth it would be driven by businesses and community leveraging "great cultural and resource wealth".
Papua New Guinea's economy is forecast to grow 4.7 percent in 2025, and trade with New Zealand has grown to more than $70 million by value in the March quarter, with aluminium the top export to the country.
