The President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Thomas Bach arrived in Tonga for a short visit to show solidarity, after the devastation caused by the volcanic eruption and tsunamis on 15 January.

Mr Bach and his delegation arrived on a private jet yesterday May 5, utilising Tonga’s COVID-19 protocols for short term high level visits (MIQ Zero). He was expected to leave today.

Tonga’s international borders are closed at the moment due to COVID-19.

The IOC President attended a function at the TASANOC office yesterday afternoon, which had limited attendees, before meeting the Prime Minister Hon.Hu’akavameiliku at his office in Nuku’alofa.

Mr Bach said the purpose of the visit is to show solidarity to the Olympic community in Tonga and the people of Tonga after the natural disasters and help sports recovery. 

During a tour of Tongatapu they visited some of the sports infrastructure affected by the natural disasters.

“We want to assist rebuilding the sports infrastructure and help get the sports equipment washed away by tsunamis.”

“We will talk and assess what kind of equipment is needed the most to continue in the sports activities and to allow athletes to prepare for their next competition.”

Appreciation for Tonga's Olympic athletes

He also expressed great appreciation for TASANOC and the Olympic team of six Tongan athletes who overcame so many obstacles to get to the Olympics last year.

“It took them five months to get back, this showed great dedication to the Olympic movement.”

Mr Bach commended Tonga on having a high vaccination rate that will, hopefully, allow Tonga to overcome the pandemic.

“Because this COVID-19 time is difficult and there are health protocols, we respect and note this important time that they are able to meet Tongan leaders.”

“We do not want to be a burden we know very well it is difficult times for TASANOC to keep sports alive here in Tonga.”

Mr Bach stressed the importance of sport for a healthy lifestyle, including mental health.

The IOC President and his team departed for the Cook Islands today and will head to Brisbane. They have visited Fiji.

Mr Bach is a German lawyer and former Olympic fencer and Olympic gold medallist, and has been IOC President since 2013.

He is the third Olympic President to visit Tonga.

MIQ Zero COVID-19 protocols

Meanwhile, Minister for Health Hon. Saia Piukala told Matangi Tonga yesterday evening that the IOC President and his team followed COVID-19 protocols for short term high level visits without having to quarantine.

“This is the first MIQ zero visit to Tonga.”

“We have these health protocols in place for such high-level visits, which Tonga cannot afford to miss.”

Hon. Piukala said because the IOC President is on a tour, they take COVID-19 tests regularly.

“It was mandatory for his team to test negative before departing their last port and on arrival in Tonga.”

They all tested negative at Fua'amotu International Airport on arrival.

“This is one of our preparations to opening our border,” said the Minister.

The Minister also confirmed that another visit that will fall under this MIQ Zero short term visit are essential health services such as technicians bringing in the Ministry of Health's critical new CT scanner from New Zealand.

“These technicians will just come in and set it up and leave.”

They will follow the same health protocols.