7 June 2023

Nuku’alofa- The Prime Minister, Hon. Hu’akavameiliku, in his capacity as Minister for Tonga Fire & Emergency Services, signed a hand over certificate with His Excellency, Mr. Cao Xiaolin, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Tonga this morning.

The handover ceremony of three pick-up trucks from the People’s Republic of China(Government of Dongguan Municipality) to the Government of Tonga to assist the Tonga Fire & Emergency Services.

This year commemorates the 25th anniversary since the establishment of PRC and Tonga’s diplomatic ties and today’s event contribute to that joyous period PRC has assisted Tonga.

Prime Minister, Hon Hu’akavameiliku and Minister for Tonga Fire & Emergency Services, stated that Tonga and China relations focused on economic and technical cooperation especially in areas of mutual interest.

“Tonga continues to appreciate the contribution China has offered for the achievement of our national development goals and Government priority agendas through various grant aids, infrastructural developments and technical assistance,” Hon Hu’akavameiliku said.

He mentioned that this is not the first time PRC has assisted Tonga with providing vehicles, in 2022 during recovery phase operations for Hunga Tonga Hunga Ha’apai Volcanic eruption and tsunami, even COVID 19, China granted funding assistance to purchase new vehicles to Fire stations.

“Your earnest assistance to help Tonga Fire &Emergency Services and provided this donation, has allowed us to visualise our strategic goals are within reach.”

The Prime Minister extend Tonga’s gratitude to Dongguan Municipality for this great assistance.