FROM OUR ARCHIVES

The first Chinese Cabinet Minister to visit Tonga was welcomed by the Tonga government with a reception and a dinner on August 2 at a new government venue to welcome foreign dignitaries, the 'Api Konisela, the former residence of the British High Commissioner in Nuku'alofa.

The Chinese Foreign Minister HE Mr Li Zhaoxing was welcomed by the Tongan Prime Minister Dr Feleti Sevele. In a welcoming speech Dr Feleti Sevele expressed the sincere appreciation of the Tongan government for the development assistant that China has given Tonga during the past years. He also thanked China for the three billion yuan of preferential loans that China pledged in April in Nadi, Fiji to be made available to the region.

In his reply HE Mr Li Zhaoxing said that he had felt the warmth and the friendliness of the Tongan people ever since he arrived that afternoon. He expressed his appreciation for Tonga's support of the one China policy and was looking forward to stronger ties and co-operation in the future.

HE Mr Li Zhaoxing and his delegation left Tonga this afternoon.