Tonga government restructures overseas diplomatic missions [1]
Tuesday, April 3, 2012 - 09:24. Updated on Monday, September 9, 2013 - 18:40.
Some of Tonga's foreign diplomatic missions are being restructured, reshuffled, and might possibly be relocated, and a new Tongan High Commissioner to Canberra, Australia has yet to be appointed following the ascending of the former high commissioner, Crown Prince Tupoto'a Lavaka to the Tongan throne as HM King Tupou VI, after the death of King George Tupou V on March 18.
Suka Mangisi, the Principal Assistant Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told Matangi Tonga on April 2 that the First Secretary at the Tongan High Commission, Canberra, Falekava Kupu is currently Acting as Tonga's High Commissioner in Canberra until further direction.
King Tupou VI, formerly HRH Crown Prince Tupouto'a Lavaka, was appointed as Tonga's first High Commissioner to Australia on July 25, 2008.
Late last year the Tongan government closed down its High Commission in Wellington, New Zealand, downgraded its mission to a Consulate General status, and relocated it to Auckland.
Meanwhile, a final decision has not been made on when the Tongan High Commission in London will be closed down, and a Consulate General office to be opened up in Brussels.