A celebration to mark the 60^th birthday of HM Emperor Naruhito of Japan, and the 50^th anniversary of the establishment of Japan and Tonga diplomatic relationship was celebrated last night at the residence of the Japanese Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Tonga, HE Mr Ishii Tetsuya.

Their Majesties King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u were the Guests of Honour at the dual celebration.

The birthday of  the Emperor is 23 February. Japan this year celebrates 50 years of diplomatic relations with Tonga (established July 1970).

Japan was the fourth foreign country to establish foreign diplomatic relations with Tonga after New Zealand, Australia and China.

HE Mr Ishii Tetsuya expressed his conviction that the friendship between Japan and Tonga was becoming stronger and closer because of the cordial relations between Japan’s Imperial Family and Tonga’s Royal Family; and the similarities in our emotions and traditions as island nations. These were further strengthened through our people to people exchanges.

On a regional issue, the Ambassaor anticipated a fruitful outcome from an upcoming Ministerial Interim meeting between Japan and Pacific Island Countries to be held in Fiji in July dealing with Japan’s vision  for a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific.”

Tonga’s Prime Minister, Hon. Rev. Dr Pohiva Tu‘i‘onetoa led a toast to the Emperor. He expressed Tonga’s appreciation of Japan’s bilateral assistance programs, and supporting Tonga’s National Development priorities.

Some of the large scale grant aid assistance includedthe Wind Power Generation System, Economic and Social Development programme, the Provision of Disaster Reduction Equipment and Japan’s largest project - the Taufa’ahau Tupou IV Wharf for Domestic Transport.