Developing renewable energy for Tonga is to be a focus under a new European Union-Tonga partnership programme, which may lead to a joint position for Tonga, the Pacific Islands Forum countries and the EU in future climate change negotiations.

Ambassador Wiepke van der Goot, the Head of Delegation of the European Commission for the Pacific, said in Nuku'alofa on Europe Day on May 12, that the partnership programme makes Euro 6.8 million available in areas identified by the Tonga Government as "highly important for the nation's development," and this will include renewable energy development and other projects.

By signing the 10th EDF EU-Tonga partnership programme, he said that both Tonga and the EU "jointly recognise that important environmental issues and the sustainable management of natural resources form an essential part of Tonga's development priorities."

Political stability

Ambassador van der Goot also said that the EU was aware of the many challenges facing Pacific Island states, including Tonga, and "is also highly conscious of the importance of political reform and stability in the Pacific Region."

He said the Nuku'alofa Declaration (made at the Pacific Forum meeting last year) allowed unprecedented annual political dialogue between the Pacific Islands Forum and the European Union, and they had scheduled meetings of senior officials and ministers through the year.

"One of the topics of interest to both of us and in which we should join hands is the matter of climate change. Through the Global Climate Change Alliance, we would not only like to exchange views and provide assistance on activities related to Climate Change, but also would like to . . . come to a join position in future climate change negotiations."

Civic education

"Also at the national level, it is our wish to engage in a meaningful political dialogue. We as the EU stand committed to give responsive and adequate support to Tonga in order to shape its institutions, law and electoral processes according to international democratic norms while keeping in line with the Kingdom's rich history, culture and traditions.

The EU will support the drive of the Office of Reconciliation and Civic Education in the Prime Minister's Office, he said.

Ambassador van de Goot was visiting Tonga to present his credentials to King George Tupou V on May 9, and gave his Europe Day address at the Waterfront Restaurant on May 12.

He said that today the European Union has 27 member states and its integration process is driven by the motto of 'Unity in Diversity'. The EU is the largest trading block in the world holding a 30% share of world trade and more than a quarter of the world's gross national product.