Tonga visit

Elder Soares, who is on two-days official visit to the Kingdom, paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister and to follow up on discussions they made during the PM’s visit to Salt Lake City last October.

They had a fruitful discussion on some important issues where the LDS is willing to help out, especially with the welfare of families.

Elder Soares has been serving as a General Authority Seventy since April 2, 2005.

He was named a member of the Presidency of the Seventy on January 6, 2013.

She was met at the airport by Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon Fekitamoeloa Katoa 'Utoikamanu and other officials.

Mahuta will hold audiences with King Tupou VI, followed by bilateral calls on Prime Minister Hu'akavameiliku and her counterpart ‘Utoikamanu.

The Foreign Minister will meet with women leaders and representatives of the civil society.

She will also inspect important bilateral projects that New Zealand has previously funded.

Photo MOFA Tonga  Caption: New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta (left) 

“After the disruption caused by Covid-19 border closures, this is another opportunity to connect in-person with our Pacific whanau, reaffirm Aotearoa New Zealand’s enduring links with the region, and commit to future co-operation,” Nanaia Mahuta said.

“This is a challenging time for the Pacific. Leaders at last month’s Pacific Islands Forum reaffirmed climate change as the single greatest security threat with the adoption of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.

“After the disruption caused by Covid-19 border closures, this is another opportunity to connect in-person with our Pacific whanau, reaffirm Aotearoa New Zealand’s enduring links with the region, and commit to future co-operation,” Nanaia Mahuta said.

“This is a challenging time for the Pacific. Leaders at last month’s Pacific Islands Forum reaffirmed climate change as the single greatest security threat with the adoption of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.

Bach and his delegation arrived by private jet utilising Tonga's Covid-19 protocols for short-term high-level visits (MIQ Zero).

Tonga's international borders are closed at the moment due to Covid-19.

The IOC President attended a function at the Tonga Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee (TASANOC) office which had limited attendees, before meeting the Prime Minister Hu'akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni at his office in Nuku'alofa.

Dr Tedros met with Tongan leaders, health workers and community members to explore how WHO and the Tonga Government can continue to work together in close partnership.

The visit is historic as for the first time ever, the Kingdom, is visited by a WHO Director-General.

Also visiting the country will be WHO’s Chief Nursing Officer (CNO), Elizabeth Iro. Prior to taking the role of CNO in 2017, Iro served as the Cook Islands Secretary of Health.

The ship, the Ark Peace, also deployed medical staff in a helicopter to 'Eua to treat patients.

The vessel also made calls to Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and Fiji during its tour of the region but skipped Solomon Islands which recognises Taiwan.

The Tongan Prime Minister's advisor, Lopeti Senituli, this week confirmed the dates for the royal visit.

Mr Senituli told Matangi Tonga that Prince Harry and Megan are expected to arrive in Tongatapu on the 25th and depart the following day.

No programme has been confirmed at this stage.

The royal couple will also be visiting Fiji, Australia and New Zealand during their tour of the Pacific region.

The royal couple, now known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, will be making the tour around the time of the Invictus Games in Sydney, which is set for Oct. 20-27.

Harry, a British military veteran who served in Afghanistan, created the Paralympic-style games as a way to inspire wounded soldiers toward recovery. About 550 competitors from 17 countries competed in 12 sports during the event in Canada last year.

The new regional technical centre will include an administration office, changing room block, toilet block and one natural playing field in the village of Makave.

Tonga Football President, Lord Ve’ehala and General Secretary, Lui ‘Aho accompanied President Chung to Vava’u to witness that the dream as it becomes reality thanks to FIFA funding for the ambitious infrastructure project which will serve the growth of football in Vava’u.