Emperor Akihito welcomes Pacific Islands leaders [1]
Friday, May 22, 2009 - 11:30. Updated on Saturday, April 26, 2014 - 21:29.
Story and photos by Linny Folau
Japan's Emperor Akihito received Pacific leaders including Tonga's Prime Minister Hon. Dr Feleti Sevele, at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo yesterday, Thursday, May 21.
Arriving in Japan for the Fifth Pacific Alliance Leaders Meeting 2009 known as "PALM 5" in Hokkaido on May 22-23, Pacific Leaders had an audience with the Emperor Akihito on the afternoon of May 21, and met Empress Michiko and Crown Prince Naruhito.
Leading the visitors was the Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum and Premier of Niue, Hon. Toke Talangi, and the Secretary of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat Mr Tuiloma Slade.
The leaders from the Pacific Islands Forum countries will leave Tokyo to go to Hokkaido in the northernmost part of Japan for their two day meeting to deliberate under the theme: "We are islanders towards an eco friendly and rich Pacific."
Tonga is being represented at the PALM 5 by its Prime Minister, Hon. Dr Feleti Sevele.