The Crown Prince and Minister for Foreign Affairs, HRH Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala, met with Japan’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Hon. Iwaya Takeshi for the first time since his appointment, to discuss Tonga-Japan relations.

Both Ministers concurred on further strengthening cooperation between Japan and Tonga

Hon. Iwaya said that the longstanding friendship between the Japanese Imperial Family and the Tongan Royal Family is the cornerstone of friendly relations between Japan and Tonga.

Mentioning Japan’s contribution to the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF) of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), he said that Japan is determined to work together to address common challenges such as climate change, which the Pacific regards as the single ‘greatest existential threat’.

“Japan will support efforts to strengthen regional connectivity and resilience [in the Pacific], including the follow-up on the outcomes of the 10^th Pacific Leaders Meeting (PALM 10) held in July last year,” he said.

HRH Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala thanked the Government and the people of Japan for their cooperation.

Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala and Princess Sinaitakala will attend the National Day of the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan on April 18.

Japan’s Emperor and Empress have invited the Tongan Royals to dinner, where they will also have an imperial audience with Japan's Crown Prince and Princess.