24 February 2023

Nuku’alofa – The Deputy Prime Minister, Honourable Samiu Kuita Vaipulu, last night sent declared wishes on behalf of His Majesty King Tupou VI, the Government and People of the Kingdom of Tonga to Emperor of Japan, His Imperial Majesty Naruhito, on His 63rd Birthday.

Hon Vaipulu made the best wishes in front of His Majesty King Tupou VI, Her Majesty Queen Nanasipau’u Tuku’aho, the Japanese Ambassador Mr. Munenaga Kensaku at the special Emperor’s Birthday celebration at the Japanese Ambassador’s residence in ‘Anana.

His Imperial Majesty Naruhito turned 63.

Hon Vaipulu said the people of Tonga wish for His Imperial Majesty’s continued good health, prosperity, longevity and profound happiness.

Cordial relationship

In his address Hon Vaipulu, who is also Acting Prime Minister, said since 1970, Tonga and Japan enjoy 53 years of cordial relations.

“We have deepened our relations through the personal close ties between the Tongan Royal Family and the Japanese Imperial Household,” he stated.

This was most recently reflected in the gracious presence of Their Majesties at the 2019 Enthronement Ceremony of Their Imperial Majesties, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako.

“Through this steadfast guidance, our two countries enjoy strong cooperation and continuous positive success for our peoples. Your Excellency, Our diplomatic relations have only grown from strength to strength. Ours is a profound engagement and this is why we enjoy such determined and fruitful cooperation,” Hon Vaipulu said.

Assistance appeciated

Hon Vaipulu thanked Ambassador Kensaku for his assistance in securing Japan’s assistance after the horrific volcanic eruption of Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha’apai that triggered an ensuing Tsunami.

“Japan was one of the first responders. Your Excellency, allow me, to once more express our deepest gratitude for your country’s prompt and generous support during Tonga’s darkest hours, We witnessed the fast arrival of your Air Self-Defense Forces Aircraft delivering emergency relief supply. We witnessed the berthing of your Maritime Self Defense Force Vessel “OHSUMI” with additional relief supplies,” he stated.

An estimated of just sixteen (16) days following the eruption and tsunami, Tonga recorded its first community transmitted COVID-19 case.

“We are indebted to Japan’s swift response in contributing 50,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccines and antiCOVID-19 medical equipment. Japan’s swift action has undoubtedly contributed to our containing the spread of COVID and minimizing the loss of Tongan lives.”

Hon Vaipulu added that Tonga appreciates the large-scale Grant Aid assistance of Japan as it contributes to safeguarding and developing His Majesty’s Government goal of an inclusive and sustainable path forward for our citizens.

“Tonga will continue to participate in and support Japan in regional and international fora to address issues of global concern and to pursue a better, resilient society. His Majesty’s Government conveys its best wishes to the Japanese Government for the upcoming 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting to be held in Japan as well as World Expo 2025 in Osaka. Your Excellency,” Hon Vaipulu added.

Japan happy to help

Ambassador Kensaku said the past two years of his were marked by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Hunga-Tonga Hunga-Ha’apai Volcanic Eruption and Tsunami.

He said for COVID-19, Japan contributed 50,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccines and anti-COVID-19 medical equipment through the Non-Project Grant Aid.

Ambassador Kensaku said January 15, 2022 is “an unforgettable day for us”.

Japan responded almost immediately to assist Tonga.

“When the news of Tongan disaster arrived, many Japanese remembered in no time what Tonga did for Japan in 2011, at the time of Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami. The donation from Tonga was one of the biggest compared to the size of economy. Then, the People, Government and Parliament of Japan united to help Tonga, since we are FRIENDs IN NEED,” he stated.

He said the Project of Nationwide Early Warning System, or NEWS Project, was completed last September, which is a symbolic project in the history of countermeasures against disasters in Tonga.

“One year has passed since the triple disasters; however, we are still on the way to recovery. The concept proposed by Japan to Tonga is “Build Back Better” or BBB, which came from our Sendai-framework,” Ambassador Kensaku said.

“Tonga and Japan are partners in pursuing a better society to overcome disasters. Japan will continue to support Tonga to build more resilient communities, economy and society.”

He added that next year, 2024, Tonga will be the Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), and Japan will host the 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting, or PALM 10.

“Both countries will take leading roles for the Pacific region. Through the preparations and discussions for PALM10, Tonga and Japan will enhance communication and go forward together to realize a more prosperous Pacific,” he concluded.