Tonga’s first diplomat to UAE presents credentials at Presidential Palace

Tonga’s first Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, ‘Akau’ola has presented his credentials at the Qasr Al Watan Palace in Abu Dhabi.

Ambassador ‘Akau’ola’s credentials were received by Sheik Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

Ambassador ‘Akau’ola had the great honour being first of the 12 ambassadors to present credentials to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

The establishment of a Tongan Embassy in the UAE is an incredible milestone for the Kingdom of Tonga and marks the fruition of new but on going relations between the small island Kingdom and the UAE.

Tonga’s King Tupou VI tasked Ambassador ‘Akau’ola on appointment in June 2018 to seek the kind assistance of the Government of the United Arab Emirates in setting up the Kingdom of Tonga’s first Embassy in the Middle East. His Majesty also tasked His Excellency that the assistance should provide support in order not to place any financial burden upon the Government of Tonga. Due to the close relationship between two Royal Households H.E ‘Akau’ola has managed to achieve this first key performance indicator (kpi). There is still much work that needs to be done and current achievements have proven these successes will be on going.

The Embassy of the Kingdom of Tonga is currently staffed by two Diplomats, Ambassador ‘Akau’ola and First Secretary Sione Sonata Tupou CQS and also serves as the Official Office of the Kingdom of Tonga EXPO 2020.

A website is currently being developed that will provide information on the Royal Household, the Government, Tourism, Trade and Investment as well as Consular Services.

 

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