EU Reinforces its Partnership with the Kingdom of Tonga: Ambassador’s Visit Reaffirms Mutual Priorities and Tangible Support
During her mission, the Ambassador met with the Prime Minister of Tonga, Hon. Lord Fakafanua, and the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Justice, and Minister for Trade and Economic Development Hon. Dr. Viliami Uasike Latu. She also paid a courtesy call on His Royal Highness Crown Prince Tupoutoʻa ʻUlukalala, Minister for His Majesty’s Diplomatic Service and Minister for His Majesty’s Armed Forces, as well as held meetings with the Minister for Finance and National Planning, Hon. Lataifaingata'a Tangimana; the Minister for Internal Affairs, Employment, Women, Social Protection, Youth and Sports, Hon. Fane Fotu; and the Lord Privy Seal and Secretary for His Majesty’s Diplomatic Services, Mr. Viliami Malolo.
EU Delegation to the Pacific 2026
These high-level discussions highlighted the EU’s ongoing support for Tonga’s sustainable development priorities. The EU and Tonga share a common goal of promoting sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth. Our cooperation continues across priority sectors, including infrastructure, governance, renewable energy, as well as trade and economic development. The EU looks forward to Tonga’s accession to the interim Economic Partnership Agreement between the EU and the Pacific States.
“The European Union’s steadfast commitment to a sustainable and resilient Pacific is grounded in our shared values and goals. The visit reaffirms the European Union and Tonga’s strong relationship, and we look forward to continuing our cooperation in the years to come,” said Ambassador Plinkert during her meeting with the Tongan media.
While in Tonga, the Ambassador visited the Kiwa Initiative project – funded by the European Union, Agence française de développement (AFD), Global Affairs Canada (GAC), Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) – highlighting the EU and Tonga’s shared priorities in climate change resilience and community-led biodiversity conservation. The Kiwa Initiative aims to build the resilience of Tonga and other Pacific Islands ecosystems, communities, and economies to climate change through the implementation of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) by protecting, sustainably managing and restoring biodiversity. This was witnessed in Tongatapu where, through Organic Learning Farms Network (POLFN), the ongoing project supports small-scale farmers in promoting agroecological practices and restoring soils and biodiversity.
EU Delegation to the Pacific 2026
EU Delegation to the Pacific 2026
EU Delegation to the Pacific 2026
Ambasador Plinkert also visited the Tonga Meteorological Office to see the progress of activities delivered under the Intra-ACP Climate Services and Related Applications (ClimSA) Programme. Funded by the European Union and implemented by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), the programme supports 11 transformative activities — from drought preparedness and climate data rescue to strengthened community early warning systems. The project also benefits key sectors, including agriculture, maritime safety, education, and ICT training, ensuring climate information reaches those who need it most. The EU remains committed to partnering with Tonga to build resilience and strengthen climate services for safer, more prepared communities.
EU Delegation to the Pacific 2026
(ENDS)