The Chinese Ambassador to Tonga, his excellency Mr Hu Yeshun handed over 20 new motorbikes and 20 new cars to Deputy Prime Minister, Hon Dr Viliami Tangi this afternoon.

The new vehicles is part of Tonga's preparation to welcome Pacific Leaders to the 38th Pacific Island Leaders Forum Meeting to be held in Nuku'alofa from October 15-19.

In an official signing ceremony to mark the handover at the Tonga Defence Services Headquarter, Sene, Dr Viliami Tangi thanked the Ambassador Hu Yeshun and the the Chinese Government for their generous assistance. He said the new vehicles are needed by the government for the Forum meetings, and later on to be used in other official services.

He said that the relationship between Tonga and China is based "on strong understanding, and our friendly relationship will be strengthened in years to come."

So far China has made significant contributions to Tonga's preparation to host the 2007 Pacific Leaders Forum Meeting. The Queen Mother Halaevalu Mata'aho, last Thursday, Sept 20 officially opened the $3 million pa'anga new Fa'onelua Convention Center which was funded by China.

Also present at the handover ceremony were the Minister of Police, Hon Siaosi 'Aho, the Commander of the Tonga Defence Service Brigadier Tau'aika 'Uta...’atu, and the Secretary of Foreign Affairs Va'inga Tone.