Tonga remains Loyal to its Traditional Allies Australia and New Zealand Featured
Tonga PM 'Akilisi Pohiva presented gift to Australia Foreign Minister Julia Bishop
Nuku'alofa
4 April 2015
The question of whether the Kingdom of Tonga joins its neighbor the Republic of Fiji in forming a new regional organization was confirmed to the media by Tonga Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pōhiva during the visit of Australia's foreign minister, Julie Bishop, to the kingdom this week.
The issue was raised by Julie Bishop, when she met the new Prime Minister, Akilisi Pōhiva.
According to Pōhiva, there are many Tongans live in Australia and New Zealand the idea of supporting the position of Fiji seems imprudent. Tongans in Australia and New Zealand contribute significantly to country’s economy through remittances.
Fiji set up the Pacific Islands Development Forum after being suspended from the Forum in 2009 because the Fiji regime reneged on its promise made to Forum leaders that it would restore democracy by 2009.
After the suspension was lifted, Fiji said it would not rejoin the Forum unless Australia and New Zealand changed their status as members to that of a development partner.
Fiji’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon Ratu Inoke Kubuabola visited Tonga in late January and the issue of a new regional organization for the Pacific was amongst the key issues discussed when he met Prime Minister Pōhiva.
Mr Pohiva says Tonga will continue to remain an independent sovereign state and continue to support New Zealand and Australia as members of the Forum.
