HM Queen Nanasipau‘u received a donation of USD$250,000 from the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to assist Tonga’s recovery efforts, after the 2022 Hunga-Tonga Hunga-Ha’apai volcanic eruption and ensuing tsunamis.

The donation was received on behalf of the Queen Nanasipau‘u Charity at the Royal Palace in Nuku’alofa, on 8 March.

During the hand over ceremony, the Queen extended on behalf of the people of Tonga her deepest gratitude to the King Salman Centre for Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre for this significant support.

She said this fund will ensure that people affected by the unprecedented Hunga-Tonga Hunga-Ha’apai volcanic eruption and tsunami, feel they are not forgotten, particularly as they rebuild their homes and lives in a new location.

Queen Nanasipau'u said the charity was set up with the primary goal to provide assistance and support for the families, the vulnerable and elderly residents of Tonga that were severely affected by the 15 January, 2022  volcanic eruption and tsunamis.

"A year on and we are still recovering and rebuilding and the re-settlement projects are ongoing. We are extremely fortunate to receive this donation at this time of urgent need.”

“I extend our sincere gratitude and thanks to the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre and to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for assisting in the recovery efforts of the people of Tonga.”

The charity will utilise the funds to provide necessary assistance and relief supplies to those in the re-settlement areas.

“I hope we will continue to foster our working relationship with the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre and in the near future see further exchange in areas of culture, climate change and education. I thank you for the heartfelt and exceedingly generous donation.”

Handover

The Saudi delegation was led by Mr Faleh Abdullah Alsubaie, Mr Mohannad Ahmed Alhefdi-Assistant Head of Economic and Cultural Department of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Canberra and Mr Abdulmalik Abdulaziz Alkhalifah from The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre.

Also present at the handover was Tonga’s High Commissioner to Australia, Princess Angelika Lātūfuipeka Tuku‘aho, who helped to facilitate the donation through Tonga's High Commission with the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Canberra.

Meanwhile, the Saudi delegation who are in Nuku’alofa until 9 March are expected to explore opportunities where the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia might be able to cooperate with Tonga, through meetings with other senior members of Tonga's Royal Family, the Acting Prime Minister and other government officials.