Hillary Clinton set to be at Pacific Island Forum

United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is set to be at this year's Pacific Island Forum and will make her first ever visit to the Cook Islands.

Forum officials have confirmed to Newstalk ZB that an advance team is scoping out Rarotonga, ahead of the forum at the end of August.

Hillary Clinton has never been to the Cook Islands and as the US are post-forum dialogue partners, this is being seen as the best time for her to visit.

An official says things can change, and issues are being looked at such as finding appropriate accommodation for Mrs Clinton and her delegation.

But it is believed to be more likely than not that she will attend the post-forum dialogue - a sign of America's increasing interest in the Pacific region.