Mr. James P. Panuve was officially appointed as Israel’s first Honorary Consul to Tonga, in Nuku’alofa, this week.

The appointment was announced by the Acting Prime Minister, Hon. Samiu Vaipulu, at a reception at the Top Restaurant in Nuku'alofa on 30 October.

Mr. Panuve told Matangi Tonga that he was offered the position by Israel’s Ambassador to New Zealand, HE Ran Yaakoby, earlier this year, and that it reflected on the “growing diplomatic and cultural ties” between Tonga and Israel.

Mr. Panuve will be taking on this new role alongside his current position as the CEO of Tonga Cable Ltd.

He said that Israel was looking forward to helping Tonga in the future, especially in areas regarding medical, agriculture or technology.

Based in Wellington, HE Mr. Yaakoby serves as a non-resident ambassador of Israel to Tonga, Samoa, and the Cook Islands.

A reception, held to celebrate the 76^th Anniversary of the Independence of the State of Israel, was attended by Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala and Crown Princess Sinaitakala Tuku’aho, as the Guests of Honour.