26 June 2023

Nuku’alofa- The Prime Minister, Honourable Hu’akavameiliku held a bilateral meeting with His Excellency, General the Honourable David Hurley, the Governor General of the Commonwealth of Australia, this afternoon at the Cabinet Room, St George Government Building.

In Tonga for a one-day visit, the two leaders discussed issues of critical importance for both countries, including Economic Recovery, Defence and Security; Labour mobility; Youth; Telecommunications; Disaster and Humanitarian Cooperation and Climate Change.

Hon. Hu’akavameiliku acknowledged all the assistance to Tonga from development partners and donor agencies, including Australia, when the country suffered from the devastating impact of Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcanic eruption and ensuing tsunami and COVID-19.

He said that today’s visit is a testament to the longstanding, cordial and strong relations between Tonga and Australia.

“We thank Australia for her ongoing bilateral assistance, the support has been and is critical to our overall development efforts from strengthening health systems to sustainable economic recovery from COVID 19.”