Results for Foreign Affairs

Tongan Prime Minister, Hon Hu’akavameiliku, will meet U.S. President Joe Biden, in a Pacific Leaders Meeting in Washington D.C later in September 28-29. He was scheduled to leave Tonga today for Honolulu.

A new investment of NZ$8 million from New Zealand’s finance commitment was committed to Tonga’s Climate Change Fund. “We anticipate it could include initiatives such as projects to strengthen the resilience of public infrastructure, enhance coastal protections, reduce reliance on fossil fuels for energy and transport, and develop sustainable agriculture and protection for biodiversity,” Hon. Nanaia Mahuta said today.

After flying into Tonga today, United States Deputy Secretary of State, Wendy R. Sherman, said the United States is looking forward to a new phase in its relationship.
 She is on Pacific trip aimed to reaffirm the United States’ commitment to the region.

The Prime Minister Hon. Hu’akavameilku and Japan’s Defense Minister Kishi held a video teleconference on 29 July, and discussed various issues including enhancing bilateral defence cooperation and exchange.

The New Zealand High Commissioner to Tonga, H.E Matt Howell presented his credentials to King Tupou VI on 28 June, at the Royal Palace in Nuku’alofa.

Australia's new Foreign Minister Senator Hon. Penny Wong reaffirmed the new Australian Government's commitment to Tonga and the Pacific in Nuku'alofa this afternoon, 3 June.

HM King Tupou VI welcomed China's State Councilor and Foreign Minister HE Mr Wang Yi and delegation this afternoon at the Royal Palace in Nuku’alofa. The Minister had a 45 minute audience with the king, and posed for photos in the grounds, while having a friendly conversation.

Heads of Diplomatic Missions from all Commonwealth countries, including Tonga, joined Royal guests and representatives at Westminster Abbey to celebrate the Commonwealth Family earlier this week. This year was the first time Tonga had two flag-bearers, Laumanu Mafi, a Chevening Scholar who carried the flag of the Kingdom of Tonga, and John Kautoke, a Law graduate in London who carried the flag of the Independent State of Samoa.

H.E. Hon. Titilupe Fanetupouvava'u Tu'ivakano joined other ambassadors to present her credentials to HM King Willem Alexander at Noordeinde Palace in The Hague, Netherlands on December 16, in the first physical audience granted by the King of the Netherlands, since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.