Germany’s Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr Johann David Wadephul, has called for a more flexible, energetic and visible European Union presence in the Pacific, saying island states expect partners to move beyond shared values and deliver concrete action.
Speaking after political talks in the region this week, Wadephul said Pacific nations such as Tonga wanted partners who would “stand together in action,” particularly as climate impacts intensify.
“That is why every euro spent on the resilience of the Pacific Island states to climate change was money well spent,” Wadephul said in a statement released today.
Germany has pledged €5 million to the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF), a Pacific-led initiative designed to strengthen climate and disaster resilience for communities on the frontline of the climate crisis. The contribution was announced at the COP29 climate summit held in late 2024 and early 2025. The PRF administration is based in Nuku'alofa.
Wadephul said Germany’s support for the PRF reflected its broader commitment to the region, adding that it was “important to me that Germany supported the Pacific Resilience Facility with 5 million euros.”
Tonga visit
While bilateral economic relations between Germany and Pacific states such as Tonga remain limited, Germany has been active in regional development cooperation, particularly in climate adaptation, forestry and disaster resilience projects.
The Foreign Minister said Germany was seeking a strategic partnership with the Pacific Islands Forum to better align its advocacy for international law, multilateralism and ambitious climate policy with the priorities of Pacific partners.
“It is particularly important to me that we have Tonga on our side in this”, the Minister stated after his visit to Tonga yesterday.
The visit to Nuku'alofa on 3-4 February by the Federal Minister and a large delegation of members of the Bundestag, coincided with the 150th year of bi-lateral relations with Tonga.
The Treaty of Friendship between the German Empire and the Kingdom of Tonga was signed on November 1, 1876, on board the SMS Hertha in Nuku'alofa. This historic agreement marked the first recognition of Tongan sovereignty by a major European power. A renewed treaty was established in 1976.
Niue declaration
Before visting Tonga, Wadephul signed a declaration establishing diplomatic relations between the Federal Republic of Germany and Niue, with the Prime Minister of Niue, Mr. Dalton Tagelagi, during talks in Auckland, February 3, 2026.
