Tonga to host 2007 PI Forum meeting [1]
Wednesday, January 24, 2007 - 17:51. Updated on Monday, May 19, 2014 - 19:43.
The Tongan government is still determined to host the 2007 Pacific Islands Forum Meeting later this year, despite the November 16 destruction of the Nuku'alofa central business district, during riots which also damaged the new $3 million conference hall built for the meeting.
Paula Ma...u the Deputy Secretary for the Prime Minister said today, that the Tongan Government is committed to host the Forum meeting but the exact dates for the meeting had yet to be set, "but it could in either late September or early October."
He said that the repairs to the external damage inflicted by the rioters on the new Conference Hall was again funded by the Chinese government.
The $3 million pa'anga hall was funded and built by the Chinese. "Luckily the building was not burnt down," said Paula.
The construction of the 900 square meter conference hall began in June last year, by a Chinese contractor, the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation and was completed before November 16.
The hall has been fully furnished and fitted with a built-in sound system as well as a facility for an internet services, beside the main conference hall, it also accommodates offices, meeting rooms, a lounge and bathroom facilities.
Paula said although the building was ready, the Government was still tidying up the outside and working on the landscaping of the garden, "and when it is ready there will be an official opening ceremony of the hall."
Tonga was scheduled to host the Pacific Islands Forum Meeting in 2006, but because of the funeral of the late King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV in August, Tonga requested that the Forum for the 2006 be held some where else. Tonga has offered to host the Forum Meeting this year.
The host for this year was originally scheduled to be Niue, but following the 2006 Forum which was held in Fiji, Niue agreed for Tonga to host the 2007 Pacific Islands Forum Meeting.