By Linny Folau

A short opening of the 2023 session of Tonga’s Legislative Assembly was held on 1 June. The royal address by HM King Tupou VI was delivered by Crown Prince Tupouto'a 'Ulukalala at Parliament House. 

The Crown Prince was accompanied by Lord Ve’ehala and Lord Niukapu.

The King acknowledged God for keeping us and for enabling all the works carried out by Parliament, which includes that the sectors of our education, health and economy.

The King said in the last Parliamentary session there were challenges and lessons had been learnt, which are essential to safeguard our country.

“On the global scale, superpower countries are competing against each other and we are impacted by it, so we must find ways to maintain our ties with all of them, while safeguarding the welfare of our country,” he said.

The King noted that while the wars in faraway countries had also impacted us but we remain in our support for peace.

He said that the peace and stability of our country is being challenged by the problems of illicit drugs, which impacts our youths and the work of the judiciary.

He also acknowledged the re-development works on our wharves and airport in efforts to bring our people closer through better connectivity.

The King reminded the House that in all the work that they do, it was important to maintain the relationship bringing our people together.

The short opening was attended by the Speaker Lord Fakafanua, Prime Minister Hon. Hu'akavameiliku and members of parliament. Guests included members of the diplomatic corps and other observers.