8 May 2023

The Prime Minister, Honourable Hu’akavameiliku, held discussions with his New Zealand counterpart Honourable Chris Hipkins at the New Zealand High Commission in London on 3 May, 2023, on key areas like Climate Change, Education and Recovery.

In London to attend the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, the two leaders discussed issues that are important for both countries.

Hon Hu’akavameiliku acknowledged the significant of the recent visit by Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Carmel Sepuloni, and members of the Pacific Mission 2023.

“They have also provided the opportunity to strengthen the longstanding partnership and friendly collaboration between our two countries through frank and meaningful discussions.”

Hon Hu’akavameiliku acknowledged New Zealand’s support accorded to Tonga towards building resilience, and supporting local programmes of community-led adaptation and mitigation, as well as larger infrastructure investments.

The Leaders also discussed as suggested by Hon. Hu’akavameiliku, possible ‘climate funding facility and mechanism’ available for the Pacific Island Countries as accessing climate finance is very challenging.

Both leaders agreed that education plays a key role in their development. Hon Hu’akavameiliku would also like to see a special category of tuition fees for Pacific students and further collaboration in accrediting qualification.

Hon Hu’akavameiliku raise his concern about the ‘dawn raid’ that was reported recently, and Hon. Hipkins reassured Hon. Hu’akavameiliku that what happened was unfortunate and will ensure appropriate checks will be in place to avoid future occurrences.

The two leaders agreed that it was important for both countries to continue discussions on issues such as development cooperation, deportees, Sustainable Blue Economy, Labour mobility development cooperation and global and regional issues that affect both countries.