Forum Secretary General meets Honourable Hu’akavameiliku

16 February 2023

Nuku’alofa – The Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, Mr Henry Puna, is visiting the Kingdom on a four-day high level consultation, which began today.

Secretary General Puna paid a courtesy call on the Hon Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku this afternoon at the Prime Minister’s Office.

The two discussed the upcoming Pacific Forum Leaders Retreat in Nadi, Fiji next week, the progress of the Suva Agreement and updates on progress of the Hunga Tonga – Hunga Ha’apai Recovery.

At the meeting this afternoon the two leaders also exchanged gifts and formalities before the Hon Hu’akavameiliku hosts Mr Puna and his delegation to dinner.

The visit to Tonga will also include a High-level Ministerial Dialogue between Secretary General Puna and a Cabinet team on key Forum priorities, relevant Forum Minister’s Economic Minister’s Meeting Outcomes and actions plus Regional Securities and Disaster Management. That will take place tomorrow.

There will also be a high level consultation with Civil Society to share experiences on community disaster preparedness, including lessons learned from the recent natural disaster in Tonga.

While in Tonga, Mr Puna will also visit Secondary Schools including Tonga High School, Tonga College and Tupou College.

He will also make a courtesy call on the Hon Speaker of the Tonga Legislative Assembly, Lord Fakafanua and make a visit to tsunami affected areas and reconstruction project, especially to Patangata, ‘Atata Si’i and Kanokupolu.