A High Level Ministerial Dialogue between the Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, Henry Puna and the Government of Tonga discussed key forum priorities, on 16 February.

Secretary General Puna who is on his first official visit to Nuku'alofa, said during a short opening, they are here to engage with the Government of Tonga and various sectors of the local community to inform them of the important work that the Forum Secretariat is doing on behalf of our region, particularly the Pacific 2050 strategy.

The 2050 Pacific Strategy adopted by Pacific Leaders relies so much on our members working together as one and the unity of the Forum must be the basis of the strategy because this is our framework to move forward to our future, he said.

At the same time, he commended the people of Tonga for their resilience after the volcano eruption and ensuing tsunami destruction over a year ago.

"It’s good to see the resilience of the Tongan people. Arriving from the airport yesterday, I could not help but be struck by the green vegetation and the smiling faces of the people on the road. This shows quite clearly to me and our team that the people of Tonga are very resilient. We have the capacity and the will to get over what nature throws our way. "

He also said their visit is during an important time as the Forum family is now complete again with the return of Kiribati, after the visit there by the Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, a couple of weeks ago.

The chair is the new Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.

Tonga

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Fekitamoeloa ‘Utoikamanu reiterated Tonga's commitment to its regional commitments.

She welcomed his four-days visit that includes high level consultations with leaders, senior government officials and key stakeholders.

The Foreign Minsiter said their visit was well timed “as we are currently in the process of finalizing our plans, programs, and budget for the upcoming 2023-24 Fiscal Year.

“Tonga acknowledges the Pacific Island Forum Secretariat’s assistance during the Hunga-Tonga Hunga Ha'apai volcanic eruption and ensuing tsunami as well as to our recovery and reconstruction endeavors to date.”

Tonga and the Pacific Islands continue to face many challenges in the regional, multi-lateral and global levels with regional and global issues requiring regional and global response, said the Foreign Minister.

The dialogue was also attended by the Minister for Internal Affairs, Lord Vaea, Minister of Finance, Hon. Tiofilusi Tiueti and Hon Dr Viliami Latu, Minister of Trade and Economic Development, at the National Reserve Bank building.

Meanwhile, Prime Mnister Hon. Hu'akavameiliku will attend this Pacific Islands Forum Special Leaders Retreat on 23-24 February in Nadi, Fiji. This retreat will focus on Forum solidarity.

Engaging with communities 

Among his other visits, Secretary General Puna made a courtesy call on the Crown Prince Tupouto'a 'Ulukalala and Prime Minister Hon. Hu'akavameiliku.

He is also expected to have a consultation with the Civil Society and share experiences on community disaster preparedness, including lessons learned from the recent natural disaster.

In addition, he will visit some secondary schools and tsunami affected areas and reconstruction projects, particularly Patangata, 'Atata Si'i and Kanokupolu.