The Government of Tonga and the Republic of Lithuania formally established diplomatic relations with the signing of a joint communiqué yesterday, 23 September, in New York.

Permanent Representative of Tonga to the United Nations, H.E. Mr. Va’inga Tone and the Permanent Representative of Lithuania to the UN H.E. Mr. Rythis Paulauskas, signed the communiqué.

Tonga's Minister of MEIDECC, Hon. Fekitamoeloa ‘Utoikamanu also attended and held a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania H.E. Mr. Landsbergis.

“We are grateful to you for your strong position when voting in the United Nations for resolutions condemning Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. We understand this is not an easy task in a world where pragmatic interests rather than value principles determine much,” H.E. Mr. Landsbergis said at the meeting.

"Lithuania is very grateful for Tonga's strong voice against Russia's aggression and we continue to commit to the Indo-Pacific region as a top priority," H.E. Mr. Landsbergis stated on X.