From left: Sulieni Layt, Princess Latufuipeka and Toakase Finau

Sulieni Layt an Australian was granted naturalization as a Tongan citizen at a ceremony led by Tonga's High Commissioner to Australia, Princess Latufuipeka Tuku'aho, in Brisbane on March 21.

This is the first naturalization case granted abroad and by Tonga's High Commission since it was set up in Canberra in 2008.

Sulieni applied for naturalization because he is married to a Tongan, Toakase Finau of Tofoa, Tongatapu.

He said he was honored and grateful to become a naturalized Tongan citizen. A journalist for more than 20-years working in print and broadcasting for Tongan people in Australia, New Zealand, American Samoa and Tonga, Sulieni and his wife have two children Ma'ata and Makoni Layt.

Sulieni is part of a small group of people who, as a naturalized Tongan, takes up Dual Citizenship under Tonga's Nationality (Amendment) Act 2007.

At the event, Princess Latufuipeka presented awards to some members of the Tongan community including Tupou Seini Kaihea, Rev. Maile Molitika, Daphne Manu and Mele Ngauamo for assisting Tonga's High Commission.

The princess was on a diplomatic visit to Queensland and was guest of honor at a Griffith University program in Logan.