The President of Fiji, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu received a courtesy call Tuesday from Tongan King Tupou VI , reaffirming the long-standing friendship and enduring regional partnership between the two Pacific Island nations.
During the high-level engagement, President Lalabalavu congratulated the Government and people of Tonga for successfully hosting the 4th Pacific Week of Agriculture and Forestry in May this year in Nukuʻalofa.
“Agriculture is a key pillar of food security and employment creation for future generations across the Pacific. Tonga’s leadership in this space reflects its strong commitment to resilience and sustainable development,” said President Lalabalavu.
He further commended Tonga’s progress in digital transformation, citing the Digital Public Good for Identity Initiative and the development of the TongaPass system and digital government portal as important milestones in inclusive, citizen-focused service delivery.
On the issue of climate change, the President acknowledged Tonga’s regional leadership, praising initiatives such as the establishment of community dialogue platforms, land use reform, and strengthened climate risk monitoring at the local level.
“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,” the President stated.
President Lalabalavu reflected on the recent Fiji-Tonga Business Mission led by Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Manoa Kamikamica, held in May 2025.
“This initiative reflects a revival of Pacific regionalism, grounded in our shared values and historical ties. It also addresses key challenges we face as island economies—such as high transportation costs, isolation, and fragile supply chains,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the mission would strengthen trade and investment flows between the two nations and open up new avenues for cooperation in agriculture, fisheries, manufacturing, tourism, and digital services.
President Lalabalavu also celebrated the successful partnership in correctional services, highlighted by the recent graduation of four Tongan trainees who completed a Certificate 5 in Correctional Management in Fiji earlier this year.
The President also welcomed the recent presentation of credentials by Fiji’s Roving Ambassador to the Pacific, Ratu William Toganivalu, toKing Tupou VI on 19 June, describing it as a reaffirmation of the special bonds between the two nations.
“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 assured.
President Lalabalavu also highlighted the Fiji Volunteer Scheme as a mechanism through which Fijian professionals in health, policing, and education can contribute meaningfully to Tonga’s national development. He also thanked the Tongan Government for its continued support and care for the Fijian community residing in Tonga, who recently met with the Fiji Trade Delegation.
In a significant development, 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 regional dynamics, President Lalabalavu emphasised the need for Pacific unity in addressing a growing list of complex challenges—including climate change, economic distress, transnational crime, and pressures on health and education systems.
“The Pacific faces a ‘poly-crisis’ that risks undermining decades of development progress. Now more than ever, regionalism and solidarity must guide our response,” he stated.
Looking ahead to the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Honiara this September, President Lalabalavu expressed confidence in collective progress, including the expected adoption of the Ocean of Peace Declaration, which aligns with the shared vision for a peaceful and prosperous Pacific region.
“The 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent remains our guiding compass—anchoring our collective ambition for a secure, resilient, and united Pacific family,” he concluded.
In his remarks, King Tupou VI responded warmly to President Lalabalavu, acknowledging Fiji’s steadfast friendship and shared historical ties with the Tongan people.
“Fiji and Tonga share an unbreakable bond built on kinship, mutual respect, and a commitment to 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,” His Majesty stated.
His Majesty noted the growing potential for enhanced collaboration between the two nations, particularly 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,” he added.
