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Which international organizations did the Cook Islands join after becoming self-governing?
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Following the move to self-government in 1965, the Cook Islands began establishing its own international presence and developing relationships with other countries in the region.
The Cook Islands became a founding member of the Pacific Islands Forum (originally the South Pacific Forum) in 1971. Additionally, the state has joined several other international organizations, including:1
Although New Zealand retains nominal responsibility for the Cook Islands' defense and external affairs, the islands have independently entered into various international treaties and maintained diplomatic relations as an autonomous political entity.2