King Tupou VI and Chinese President Xi Jinping have exchanged congratulatory messages on November 2 to mark two decades of diplomatic ties between their countries. The 20^th anniversary of China and Tonga’s diplomatic ties was also celebrated on the same day at the Chinese Embassy in Nuku‘alofa.

In his message to King Tupou VI, President Xi said that bilateral ties had grown continuously with the expansion of practical cooperation and people-to-people exchanges over the past two decades. He said he greatly valued China-Tonga relations and was willing to make use of the opportunity of the 20^th anniversary of diplomatic relations to strengthen exchanges and cooperation.

According to a statement from the Chinese Embassy, King Tupou VI said in his message to President Xi, that high-level exchanges between the two countries were robust, cooperation was expanding, and mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples were growing.

Reception

In Nuku'alofa, Friday’s dinner reception was attended by HRH Princess Pilolevu and her husband, Lord Tuita, as well as the Prime Minister Hon ‘Akilisi Pohiva, government officials, diplomats, and other guests.

The Chinese Ambassador to Tonga HE Wang Baodong and Prime Minister Pohiva spoke at the event on the importance of reaching the 20^th milestone and on continuing the relationship into the future. The Tonga Tourism Masani Cultural Performers and the Chinese Embassy staff performed traditional Tongan dances. Tai Chi and shadow boxing were demonstrated by the Tonga Chinese community.

The Prime Minister, who is also Minister for Foreign Affairs, had also exchanged congratulatory messages with Wang Yi, State Councilor of the Chinese State Council and Foreign Minister of China on the same day.

Mr Yi stated that over the past 20 years, China-Tonga relations had maintained good momentum of development with steady progress in exchanges and cooperation in various fields, which had brought tangible benefits to the two peoples. He said the Chinese side was ready “to make joint efforts with the Tongan side to keep the momentum of top-level contacts, deepen pragmatic cooperation, and enhance coordination and collaboration in the international and regional affairs so as to push for greater development in the relations between the two countries.”

The Embassy stated that Prime Minister Pohiva stated to Mr Yi that he looked forward to the comprehensive strategic partnership of mutual respect and common development.