Fiji, May 5 -- The Cook Islands is seeking greater inclusion in emerging regional initiatives on critical minerals, with Prime Minister Mark Brown urging the Asian Development Bank to expand its engagement with Pacific small island states.

Delivering the country's statement at the ADB Annual Meeting in Samarkand Monday, Brown described the bank's growing focus on critical minerals as "timely and forward-looking," given the increasing global demand for secure and sustainable supply chains to support the clean energy transition.

"As this work progresses, we encourage the bank to consider how small island developing states, including the Cook Islands, can be more actively included," Brown said.

He called for deeper engagement through know...