Germany has earmarked €5 million (US$5.8 million) for the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF) as it strengthens cooperation with Tonga on climate resilience, sea-level rise and regional security.
The commitment was announced in a joint declaration issued during the official visit of King Tupou VI to Germany, which also sets out plans to expand diplomatic, economic, cultural and development cooperation between the two countries.
Germany and Tonga said climate change and rising sea levels posed an existential threat to Tonga and other Small Island Developing States (SIDS), requiring stronger international partnerships and practical support.
The two countries agreed to strengthen cooperation through the Coalition for Addressing Sea-level Rise and its Existential Threats (C-SET) and the United Nations Group of Friends on Climate and Security.
Germany also reaffirmed its support for Tonga through its International Climate Initiative (IKI), particularly projects focused on nature-based climate resilience and ecosystem protection.
The declaration recognises the PRF, which is headquartered in Tonga, as an important Pacific-led financing mechanism for strengthening community resilience.
On bilateral relations, Germany and Tonga reaffirmed their commitment to expanding political, economic and cultural ties, building on 150 years since the signing of their Treaty of Friendship and 50 years of diplomatic relations.
The Treaty of Friendship was signed on 01 November 1876, while the Treaty on Friendly Relations and Cooperation entered into force on 02 January 1978.
Both countries agreed to deepen diplomatic and consular engagement, including through the recent accreditation of Tonga’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom to Germany.
They also expressed interest in developing cultural partnerships, including between the Kulturstiftung Dessau-Wörlitz and corresponding institutions in Tonga.
Technical, vocational and professional education were identified as other potential areas for cooperation.
On regional engagement, Germany recognised the central role of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) in promoting regional security and prosperity.
It also reaffirmed its commitment to the priorities of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, following its appointment as a strategic partner of the Forum.
The declaration also addresses cooperation at the United Nations, with both countries reaffirming their commitment to the UN Charter, international law and multilateralism.
Germany thanked Tonga for its support at the United Nations in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and encouraged further engagement on the issue, including efforts to address the activities of Russia’s shadow fleet.
It also commended Tonga’s contribution to international and regional peacekeeping.
On human rights, both countries committed to supporting the UN human rights system and strengthening protections for vulnerable groups.
Germany reaffirmed its commitment to its elected membership of the UN Human Rights Council for the 2027-2029 term, while acknowledging Tonga’s ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
The declaration establishes a framework for closer cooperation as the two countries mark their longstanding diplomatic relationship and address shared regional and international challenges.
