Norway’s Crown Prince to visit Tonga in April [1]
Friday, March 22, 2019 - 16:53
Crown Prince Haakon of Norway will visit Tonga, Fiji, and Samoa from 5 – 11 April, the Norwegian Royal Court announced on March 20.
The Crown Prince will be accompanied by Norway’s Minister for Development Dag-Inge Ulstein and will meet Heads of State, including the King of Tonga, and governments in the three countries,
The Norwegian Royal Family website reports his visit aims to strengthen partnerships with small island states in the South Pacific to promote common interests in the United Nations and international cooperation such as seas and climate, peace and security.
These common interests include securing sustainable seas and dealing with climate challenges which are core interests to the South Pacific and to which Norway is strongly committed to playing a leading role internationally.
The Royal Court says island nations play an increasingly central role in the international effort to meet global sustainability goals and the Paris Agreement.
As part of the Crown Prince’s program, he will speak to students at the University of the South Pacific in Fiji on sustainable development, sea and climate. He will also meet students from the region, participate in rugby training and visit areas directly affected by rising sea levels.
The Crown Prince will look at Tonga, Fiji, and Samoa’s efforts to adapt to increasing challenges related to climate change such as rising sea levels, ensure a sustainable sea and work against marine litter.
The Crown Prince and Minister Ulstein will also meet representatives of civil society, educational institutions, sports and culture, as well as the United Nations and other international organizations during their visit.