A new British High Commissioner to Tonga, HE Mr. Philip Malone presented Letters of Credence to HM King Tupou VI at the Royal Palace today, 9 December 2024

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the ambassador conveyed best wishes and greetings from HM King Charles III of the United Kingdom to King Tupou VI of Tonga. 

“His Excellency also conveyed warm wishes from the British Government for the close partnership and cordial relations between the two Governments and the people of Tonga and the sincere desire of his Government to deepen the long and strong collaboration between the two countries.”

Mr. Malone is a career diplomat for 43 years with previous ambassadorial postings in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, and Vientiane, Laos.

He has also served on diplomatic postings in Helsinki, Finland; Singapore; Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei; Luxembourg; Guatemala City, Guatemala; and Buenos Ares, Argentina.

The United Kingdom and the Kingdom of Tonga have had a longstanding and historic relationship with strong links between the respective Royal Families, the Armed Forces and as Members of the Commonwealth of Nations.

People-to-people and sporting links have also remained strong, most particularly in rugby league and rugby union. Both Tonga and the UK also share similar government, judicial, legislative and educational systems.