HE Mr Thomas Roth (middle), with his wife Christiane in the pink dress, two daughters, grandson Noah and friends

HE Mr Thomas Roth, Australia's 14^th High Commissioner to Tonga in a farewell reception at the Australian Residence, Mirrabooka on Friday 4 January 2013 welcomed colleagues, friends and acquaintances.

In a farewell speech Mr Roth acknowledged those he had befriended during his two year term and was grateful for the company he enjoyed at various sporting and social clubs including a local faikava club.

He said that during his term in Tonga, he noticed a marked improvement in Tongan rugby, "but unfortunately the Wallabies have gone down hill," amidst laughing and cheering.

HE Mr Roth said that the diplomatic relations between Australia and Tonga was very well, taking into consideration the number of officials visits between the two countries during his time in Tonga; which included a visit to Canberra by the Prime Minister, Lord Tu'ivakano.

He also reminded the gathering that currently over 25,000 Australians identify themselves as Tongans.

With regards to Tonga's political reform, Mr Thomas Roth believed that Tonga's parliamentary democracy reform process is heading in the right direction.

New post

Mr Roth goes to Berlin as the new Australian High Commissioner to Germany.

A new Australian High Commissioner to Tonga had yet to be named but is scheduled to arrive to Nuku'alofa in February.