Tonga and the European Union have reviewed bilateral relations between the Kingdom and the EU during a high-level political dialogue in Nuku’alofa.
The meeting held Wednesday was chaired by Acting Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni and attended by EU Ambassador to the Pacific, Andrew Jacobs.
Crown Prince Tupouto‘a ‘Ulukalala and the Minister of Fisheries, Semisi Fakahau also participated in the political dialogue.
The parties also discussed possibilities to intensify trade relations and strengthen co-operation in regional and international matters of common concern.
The Political Dialogue Meeting was organised in the framework of Article 8 of the Cotonou Agreement which provides for regular exchange of views at the highest level, covering all subjects of mutual interest, including respect for human rights, good governance, democratic principles and the rule of law.
Following the fruitful exchanges, Mr Sovaleni said, “The European Union and the Kingdom of Tonga have a long standing relationship in cooperation and partnership. European Union has provided assistance to the civil society organizations and construction of the Niuatoputapu hospital. The EU is also providing significant support to ensure access to modern, affordable and environmentally sustainable energy to the people of Tonga. We also discussed the challenges we face in areas such as deportees, youth unemployment, climate change and natural disasters.”
Ambassador Jacobs added that “today we had an excellent opportunity to take stock of our cooperation and assess how it benefits the lives of Tongans. For example, we discussed European Union’s support to renewable energy and civil society organisations, and the way forward towards a full implementation of the EU-Tonga short-term visa waiver Agreement. Our frank exchanges will pave the way forward to enhance our joint development and diplomatic aspirations and go beyond our strong partnership in the fight against climate change. In this we are fully guided by the renewed partnership with the Pacific and the Global Strategy for the European Union’s Foreign and Security Policy”.
A statement said this is Ambassador Jacobs last visit to the Kingdom of Tonga before his assignment in the Pacific ends later this year.
During the rest of this week he will hold a series of meetings to bid farewell to Tongan authorities, friends from civil society organisations and the private sector.
Photo Twitter Ambassador Andrew Jacobs: Tonga's Acting Prime Minister Sioasi Sovaleni with EU Ambassador to the Pacific Andrew Jacobs