King Tupou VI is visiting the Marshall Islands this week, where he held an audience with the President of the Republic of the Marshall Islands and honoured the graduation ceremony of the University of the South Pacific Marshall Islands Campus.
HE President Hilda C. Heine, welcomed the King in both his sovereign capacity and in his role as Chancellor of the University of the South Pacific (USP).
President Heine reaffirmed the close friendship between the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Kingdom of Tonga.
According to the Office of the President, their meeting underscored the longstanding ties between the two Pacific nations, built through years of cultural, social, political, and regional engagement, and strengthened by the establishment of formal diplomatic relations in 2022. The visit reaffirmed their shared commitment to advancing regional cooperation.
Their discussions touched on key regional priorities, including climate change, resilience, and energy security.
President Heine highlighted the challenges facing Pacific Island countries and reaffirmed the Marshall Islands’ commitment to advancing regional cooperation on climate action, supporting the Pacific Resilience Facility, and strengthening long-term energy security through sustainable and renewable energy initiatives.
President Heine hosted an official dinner at the Marshall Islands Resort in Majuro in honor of the Royal visit. The dinner was attended by members of the Council of Iroij, including Chairman Irooj Lanny Kabua, Lerooj Esther Zedkeia, Speaker Brenson S. Wase, Vice Speaker Isaac Zackhras, and members of the Marshall Islands' Cabinet.
The evening also provided an opportunity for cultural exchange between Marshallese traditional leaders and the King, fostering dialogue and further strengthening the deep cultural and historical ties that unite the peoples of the Pacific.
King Tupou VI was the Guest of Honor at the USP’s Marshall Islands graduation ceremony today, 11 June 2026, in Majuro.
