Media release
13 October 2008
New Tongan High Commission
Australia’s relations with the Kingdom of Tonga entered a significant new phase today with a flag raising ceremony at Commonwealth Park marking the establishment of the Kingdom of Tonga’s High Commission in Canberra.
Speaking at the ceremony, I warmly welcomed the presence of the newly appointed Tongan High Commissioner, HRH the Crown Prince Tupouto’a Lavaka, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Tonga, the Hon. Sonatane Tu’a Taumoepeau-Tupou.
The establishment of the High Commission marks a further expansion of our strong bilateral relations.
It will support further Australian cooperation with the island nations of the Pacific. Tonga joins Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Fiji in having diplomatic representation in Canberra.
Australia and Tonga have long enjoyed a close relationship. There are approximately 7500 Tongan born people in Australia, who have made their mark in the arts, academia, business and sports.
Australia is committed to assisting in Tonga’s long term development. Total Australian Overseas Development Assistance to Tonga in 2008-09 is around $19 million. Of this amount, $13 million is allocated to bilateral programs in scholarships, health, economic and public sector management, reconstruction, and community development.
We look forward to a further strengthening of relations with Tonga under a Pacific Partnership for Development, which is expected to be finalised by early 2009.
We also welcome Tonga’s participation in the Pacific Seasonal Worker Pilot Scheme.
Australians and Tongans continue to work closely together in regional fora, particularly the Pacific Islands Forum, which the Prime Minister of Tonga, the Hon. Dr Feleti Sevele chaired in 2007-8, as members of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands, and the Ministerial Contact Group for Fiji, which Foreign Minister Sonatane Tu’a Taumoepeau-Tupou chairs.
Media inquiries
- Mr Smith's office 02 6277 7500
- Departmental Media Liaison 02 6261 1555