Formalization of Diplomatic Relations between the Kingdom of Tonga and the Republic of Marshall Islands

26 September 2022

The Honourable Hu’akavameiliku, Prime Minister of Tonga, and H.E. David Kabua, President of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, signed a Joint Communiqué to formalize diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of Tonga and the Republic of the Marshall Islands on the margins of the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, in New York, on September 20, 2022.

Also present at the signing were, the Minister of Foreign Affairs & Tourism, Hon. Fekitamoeloa ‘Utoikamanu, Tonga’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, H.E. Ambassador Va’inga Tonē and other members of Tonga’s delegation to the UN General Assembly High Level meetings.

The formalization of diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of Tonga and the Republic of the Marshall Islands is an expression of mutual trust and respect and demonstrates shared aspirations for a neighborly future together.

The further strengthening of cooperation and collaboration through membership at the regional organizations, namely the Pacific Islands Forum, Pacific Community and all the Council of Regional Organizations of the Pacific (CROP) Agencies is envisaged.

Similarly, strengthening of cooperation and collaboration at the United Nations Organization with the Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS), Pacific Island Forum Group (PIF), Alliance of Small Island Developing States (AOSIS), the Asia Pacific Group (APG), and the Forum of Small States (FOSS) is envisaged.

With the ever accelerating adverse impacts of Climate Change and its existential threats to the Pacific Islands Region, Tonga appreciates working closely with the Marshall Islands to highly prioritize the importance for action and advocacy to the larger membership of the United Nations.

The Kingdom of Tonga and the Republic of the Marshall Islands are both parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO), are vital for their diplomatic relations and close ties and will work in cooperation in these two important bodies to advance the priorities of their countries and the region.