A delegation from Tonga travelled to Canberra last week and took part in a 2023 Tonga Australia High Level Consultations, on a range of issues, including climate change, regional and global security, infrastructure, and connectivity.

Led by the Chief Secretary and Secretary to Cabinet, Paula Ma’u, the Tongan delegation met with Mr Ewen McDonald, Head of the Office of the Pacific and Head of the Australian delegation, Australia’s Ambassador for Climate Change, HE Kristin Tilley, senior Australian Government officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Home Affairs, Australian Defence Force, and the Australian Federal Police.

The delegations discussed key opportunities and challenges and set priorities for the coming year.

The High Level Consultations also provided an opportunity to reflect on Tonga and Australia’s strong and longstanding bilateral partnership and shared achievements over the last 12-months.

Australian High Commissioner, HE Rachael Moore who took part in the visit, said that Australia and Tonga’s bilateral partnership is deepening, “reflecting our shared values and priorities.”

She was honoured to be alongside Tongan colleagues in Canberra and discussed opportunities, challenges and their plans for the next 12-months.

At the same time, Mr Ma’u said that Australia's hosting this high-level talks in Canberra is a testament to the commitment the Australian Government placed towards strengthening our diplomatic partnership.

“Being here in-person allowed us to meet with a wide-range of government departments that play a key role in our development cooperation, and we valued the high-level representation from these departments.

“It has been an honour to lead our delegation to these historical and successful high-level talks.”

Meanwhile, this is the first official bilateral High Level Consultations to take place since the global outbreak of COVID-19.

Other members of the Tongan delegation included, Leonaitasi Kuluni, Deputy Secretary Foreign Affairs and Head of Foreign Policy Division, Pisila 'Otunuku, Deputy CEO Ministry of Finance, Vatulele Tuputupu, MEIDECC Deputy Secretary, Sione Fifita - Deputy Secretary Prime Minister’s Office, Nancy Finau, Deputy Secretary Ministry of Internal Affairs, and Elsie Fukofuka, Senior Australia Desk Officer in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The  were joined by Tonga’s Acting High Commissioner to Australia, Curtis Tu’ihalangingie and Tonga’s Honorary Consul General to Australia, Louise Waterhouse.