Tonga's Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Poasi Tei and the Chinese Ambassador to Tonga HE Cao Xaolin signed handover certificates for the general contribution from the People’s Republic of China to Tonga at an official ceremony today at Vuna Wharf, Nuku'alofa.

The contributions were brought in by two Chinese navy vessels, two Chinese fishing vessels and two military aircarfts over recent weeks and held at the wharf. They said the documents certified that Tonga received the assistance

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Fekita 'Utoikamanu expressed the Government and people of Tonga’s heartfelt gratitude to the Government and people of China for their continued support and assistance in our recovery from the volcanic eruption.

She said it is a process that takes time and joint efforts to reassure and build a better and more resilient Kingdom.

"This is a critical juncture between emergency relief and the recovery phase, hence this assistance is timely. We thank you for Ambassador for your tireless efforts to ensure that the Government and people of Tonga receive the much needed and timely assistance from the Government of the People's Republic of China."

Friend indeed

The Ambassador said since the volcanic eruption and tsunami on January 15, China and Tonga had been keeping close contact, in response to these natural disasters.

He said China had provided US$1.3 million in cash to Tonga, including US$900,000 to the Tongan Government and US$400,000 to the Tonga Red Cross.

China also provided more than $12 million pa’anga, relief and restoration items in the forms of the pre-fabricated rooms, farm tractors, power generators, tents, foldable beds, PPE, food and water.

“Besides, the heavy duty machinery, worth $26 million pa’anga arrived just in time in the wake of the natural disasters. The 500 pre-fabricated rooms and the 30 farm tractors here at the wharf are vivid illustrations of the cordial relationship and close friends between our two countries,” he said.

"I am confident that all of these relief, restoration and development assistance from China will help the Government and Tongan people build a better homeland."

Also present at the event was the Minister for Health Hon. Dr Saia Piukala, MAFF CEO Dr Viliami Manu and other guests.