Mrs ‘Amelia Fakahikuo’uiha Liliu’okalani Fonua Helu has been appointed as the Honorary Consul of Spain to Tonga at an official presentation ceremony held on May 28.

She was granted an exequatur by Prime Minister Hon Dr Pohiva Tu’i’oneoa on behalf of His Majesty’s government, giving authority to operate within the consular district of Tonga and to exercise consular services to nationals of Spain in Tonga.

A statement from the Embassy of Spain to Tonga (based in Wellington, New Zealand) said Mrs Helu's appointment will contribute to increasing the presence of Spain in the country and will facilitate a better and nearer attention to Spanish residents and tourists in Tonga.

This appointment is concurrent to her role as the Honorary Consul of Finland in Tonga.

Mrs Helu is a former Tongan diplomat, having served as First Secretary at the Embassy of the Kingdom of Tonga in Beijing, China, from 2008 to 2011.

She is also owns a number of businesses including A&J Fabric Store, JH Electrical Contractor & Supplies, JH Hiring Equipment, and a finance company.