Fiji and Tonga reaffirmed their long-standing friendship and shared regional aspirations during a high-level courtesy call by His Majesty King Tupou VI on the President of the Republic of Fiji, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu.
The meeting, held in Suva, underscored the enduring partnership between the two Pacific Island nations, with both leaders expressing strong commitment to regionalism, climate action, and economic cooperation.
President Lalabalavu extended warm congratulations to Tonga for hosting the 4th Pacific Week of Agriculture and Forestry in Nukuʻalofa earlier this year, highlighting the sector’s importance to food security and sustainable livelihoods.
“Agriculture is a key pillar of food security and employment creation for future generations across the Pacific,” he said. “Tonga’s leadership in this space reflects its strong commitment to resilience and sustainable development.”
The Fijian President also lauded Tonga’s progress in digital transformation, citing the TongaPass system and the Digital Public Good for Identity Initiative as critical to inclusive service delivery.
On climate change, President Lalabalavu praised Tonga’s proactive stance, including efforts in community dialogue, land reform, and local-level risk monitoring. “These efforts demonstrate the Kingdom’s strong climate leadership and contribute meaningfully to our shared regional aspirations under the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent,” he said.
Reflecting on the Fiji-Tonga Business Mission in May 2025, led by Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica, President Lalabalavu described it as a “revival of Pacific regionalism” and a practical response to common economic challenges such as high transport costs and vulnerable supply chains.
He expressed optimism that increased trade and investment between the two countries would open new opportunities in agriculture, fisheries, tourism, manufacturing, and digital services.
Cooperation between the two nations also extends to public administration and training, with President Lalabalavu highlighting the successful graduation of four Tongan correctional trainees in Fiji. He also recognised the recent presentation of credentials by Fiji’s Roving Ambassador to the Pacific, Ratu William Toganivalu, to King Tupou VI as a reaffirmation of diplomatic ties.
“The Roving Ambassador stands ready to respond to your calls at any time of need and to progress mutual areas of development cooperation,” the President said.
The Fiji Volunteer Scheme was also spotlighted as a mechanism through which Fijian professionals can support Tonga’s national development priorities in health, policing, and education.
President Lalabalavu expressed appreciation for Tonga’s formal interest in establishing a diplomatic presence in Suva. “It is with great honour that I welcome this initiative. Our teams will work together to explore suitable options to bring this vision to life,” he said.
On wider regional issues, the President called for renewed unity in confronting what he described as a “poly-crisis” threatening development gains—including climate disruption, economic distress, and transnational crime.
“Now more than ever, regionalism and solidarity must guide our response,” he urged.
Looking ahead to the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Honiara this September, he expressed confidence in the collective will of Pacific nations to adopt the Ocean of Peace Declaration, aligning with the shared vision of a resilient and united Blue Pacific.
In his response, His Majesty King Tupou VI paid tribute to the historic and cultural ties between Tonga and Fiji, describing the visit as a “celebration of kinship, mutual respect, and Pacific solidarity.”
“I am deeply honoured by the traditional ceremony of welcome and State Honours bestowed today, which is a reaffirmation of our enduring friendship,” he said.
The King noted the strong potential for deepened collaboration in trade, education, and capacity-building. “Our cooperation continues to deliver meaningful results for our people. We look forward to expanding these efforts in the spirit of unity, shared prosperity, and the Pacific Way,” His Majesty added.
