23rd November, 2018 The 85th birthday of the Emperor of Japan, Akihito was celebrated in Tonga with a reception hosted by the Japanese Ambassador, HE Mr. Tetsuya Ishii on the evening of November 22nd at his residence in ‘Ananä.
The celebration was graced with the presence of The Royal Highness Prince Ata.
On behalf of His Majesty King Tupou VI, Government and the People of Tonga, the Hon. Prime Minister, Samuela ‘Akilisi Pohiva wished His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Akihito a good health, prosperity and profound happiness.
“His Majesty’s Government is aware that His Imperial Majesty will relinquish the Throne on 30th April 2019 marking the end of the Heisei era, which by them, would have lasted for over 30 years. His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince Naruhito will then be enthroned on the first of May 2019 marking the beginning of a new Imperial era.”
“Our diplomatic relations has flourished over the last 48 years, energized by the strong personal ties between the Tongan Royal Family and the Japanese Imperial Household. Members of the two Royal households have graced their presence in each other’s country to either celebrate auspicious occasions or offer comfort in times of distress.”
Hon. Pohiva said Tonga appreciates the ongoing bilateral assistance programs of Japan that supports Tonga’s National Development priorities and its efforts to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
“We have shared successful cooperation in a wide range of areas including trade, sports, marine research, infrastructure, education and health. We commend Japan’s Grant Aid assistance in which His Majesty King Tupou VI officially commissioned the 66 million Pa’anga constructions of the new Taufa’ahau Tupou IV Domestic Wharf and Terminal. The new Wharf and Terminal enhances Tonga’s infrastructure sector and eases the travel of Tongans by sea! The new Terminal is the star attraction of Nuku’alofa waterfront”.
He uttered that Tonga also appreciates Japan’s 40 Million Pa’anga Aid for the Installation of the Wind Power Generation System Project that helps Tonga to achieve its goal of 50% renewable energy by 2020.
“We congratulate the Japanese Government in successfully hosting the Eighth Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM8) in Japan of which Tonga participated and proceeded to sign the 56 Million Pa’anga Grant Aid for the Project for ‘Nationwide Early Warning System (NEWS) and Strengthening Disaster Communications.’”
“As we branch to the outer island groups, Great Vava’u appreciates Japan’s assistance in funding their Waste Management and Solar Electrification Projects, which shall, and will, assist in the daily progress of the land and people of His Royal Highness Crown Prince ‘Ulukalala.”
Hon. Pohiva acknowledged the Grant Assistance for Grassroots and Human Security Projects implemented in local communities and targeting in crucial and urgent areas of water and sanitation, health, sports, transport and education.
“Education is a vital bilateral sector and we extend our appreciation to Japan for offering the annual Pacific LEADS and the MEXT Scholarship programs. The Japanese Volunteers programme continues to develop the Tongan communities and assist with the successful annual Soroban Competitions and Japanese Speech Contests.”
“We appreciate the JICA Training courses in various sectors of mutual interest. People to people exchanges flourished with the presence of the Japanese Comedian “Showko” Tour that wowed thousands of Tongans! These are only but a few engagements that have boosted ‘our’ bilateral relations. With such warm cooperation, we acknowledge the assistance of Japan in times of need; in particular, the devastation caused by Tropical Cyclone Gita earlier this year.”
He told the gatherings that Tonga will continue to participate and support Japan in regional and international fora to address issues of global concern such as the environment, climate change, renewable energy and security.
Present at the reception were the Ministers of the Crown, Nobles of the Realm, Chief Justice and Members of the Judiciary, Members of the Legislative Assembly, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Members of the Clergy, Church leaders, government officials, representatives of non-government organizations, private sectors and guests.
Attached: Photos
ENDS
Issued by the: Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change & Communications.