Photos courtesy Government of the Republic of Fiji
King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u were warmly welcomed in Fiji on Tuesday for a State Visit from 8-12 July that is reaffirming strong familial, cultural and regional connections, with high level engagements, military honours and cultural ceremonies.
The King and Queen, accompanied by HRH Crown Princess Sinaitakala Tuku'aho were welcomed at Nausori Airport, Tuesday morning, by the Fijian Government representatives and Special Envoy to the Pacific, HE Mr William Toganivalu.
The official program began at the State House in Suva, where the King and Queen were received by the Fiji Prime Minister Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka, with the Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai. Red carpets were rolled out for a 100-man Guard of Honour accorded to King Tupou VI, mounted by the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), under the command of Parade Commander Captain Maikale Beranage.
The welcome continued with an impressive traditional kava ceremony.
King Tupou VI made a courtesy call on the President of the Republic of Fiji, HE, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu.
The President conferred the title of Honorary Companion of the Order of Fiji to HM King Tupou VI. King Tupou VI acknowledge Fiji’s steadfast friendship and shared historical ties with the Tongan people.
“Fiji and Tonga share an unbreakable bond built on kinship, mutual respect, and a commitment to Pacific solidarity. I am deeply honoured by the traditional ceremony of welcome and State Honors bestowed today, which is a reaffirmation of our enduring friendship,” said King Tupou VI.
The first day of the State visit concluded with a State Banquet hosted by the President and the First Lady, HE Emily Lalabalavu, at State House.
Tui Lau
Later in the week, the royal visitors will depart for Lakeba, Lau, to attend the installation ceremony of Ratu Tevita Lutunauga Kapaiwai Uluilakeba Mara, for the Turaga Tui Nayau, Sau Ni Vanua Ko Lau and Tui Lau, on 10 July.
The Royal visit is being followed by the Fiji Government official Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/FijiGovernment
The Fiji Government stated that their participation at the installation ceremony in Lau, “symbolises the shared heritage and deep historical and cultural ties between Lau and Tonga.”
The Fijian Government stated that “the State Visit will strengthen bilateral relations and regional collaboration between the two nations.
"Importantly, it provides our two nations with an opportunity to deepen cooperation on mutual priorities such as climate change, economic resilience and sustainable development."
The King and Queen will return to Tonga on Saturday 12, July.
