NZ PM visits Tonga this week [1]
Wednesday, June 14, 2017 - 18:28
The New Zealand Prime Minister Rt Hon Bill English will visit Tonga for the first time on June 15-17, during his 2017 Pacific Mission tour.
Prime Minister Hon ‘Akilisi Pohiva will host him and they are expected to make a joint media statement on Friday, June 16.
Mr English’s visit as New Zealand’s new Prime Minister is expected to bolster diplomatic ties between the two countries. The two leaders will discuss Tonga’s strategic directions and priorities, identifying areas where New Zealand can add value in, to improve cooperation and partnerships with Tonga, a statement from the Prime Minister's Office in Nuku’alofa said today.
The New Zealand PM is expected to visit the Teufaiva Outdoor Stadium, Tonga Police headquarters and an energy site in projects that are priorities to the Tongan government, funded by the New Zealand Aid Program. He leads a delegation of 70 members, including cross party Members of Parliament, Pacific leaders and representatives from NGOs, during his Pacific Mission visit to the Cook Islands, Niue and Tonga.