The Prime Minister Hon Hu’akavameiliku met with Rwandan President H.E Paul Kagame in Kigali today at the official residence, Village Urugwiro in Kigali, Rwanda.

He conveyed his gratitude and extended best wishes from HM King Tupou VI.

In a separate meeting, Hon Hu'akavameiliku met with Mr Yannick Glemarec, the Executive Director of the Green Climate Fund and discussed funding opportunities with them, and sought guidance on possible funding. Hon Hu’akavameiliku shared Tonga’s experience in the last five-months with the January 15 volcanic eruption and tsunami and the challenge of COVID-19. 

Mr Glemarec stated the GCF was working on latest Tonga proposal on coastal resilience for possible board consideration early 2023. 

"Necessary support will be provided to develop other projects that may assist mitigate and adapt to effect of climate change focusing on high impact projects."

Hon Hu'akavameiliku said he was hopeful that the GCF will work with the Government of Tonga in building a more climate resilient Tonga. 

The GCF was established by 194 governments to limit or reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in developing countries, and to help vulnerable societies adapt to the unavoidable impacts of climate change. 

The fund was formally established during the 2010 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Cancun.

Meanwhile, Hon Hu’akavameiliku is attending the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2022.

Accompanying him were the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Hon Fekitamoeloa ‘Utoikamanu and the Chief Secretary and Secretary to Cabinet, Edgar Cocker.