24th February 2016 The Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Daniel Russel was in Nuku’alofa, Tonga for bilateral meetings and regional consultations.
This is part of his South Pacific trip, which also includes Samoa and Palau.
The US Department of State said the trip demonstrates the United States’ enduring commitment to Pacific Islands and the whole of government approach to enhancing bilateral political, economic and security relations in the Pacific.
The trip also underscores continued US support to the issues that are of utmost importance to the Pacific Islands including Climate Change, the ocean, maritime security, women’s empowerment, sustainable development and health.
At the Royal Palace in Nuku’alofa yesterday morning, Mr Russel met with His Majesty, King Tupou VI and expressed the United States deep appreciation for Tonga’s continued military cooperation and support, particularly in the United Nation.
Accompanying Mr Russel was the US Ambassador to Fiji and Tonga, Ms Judith Cefkin and Admiral Scott Swift, Commander of the US Pacific Fleet.
Mr Russel also met with the Prime Minister of Tonga, Hon ‘Akilisi Pohiva and His Majesty’s Armed Forces Chief of Staff Brigadier Lord Fielakepa and discussed important issues on strengthening US-Tonga relations.
During their short time in Tonga, the US Delegation visited the launching of USAID coastal community adaptation project site in Popua.
In Apia, Samoa, Assistant Secretary Russel will meet with Samoan government officials and visit U.S. Government-supported projects that bolster security, women’s empowerment, and environmental protection.
In Koror, Palau, Assistant Secretary Russel will meet with the President of Palau and senior officials, make a televised address to a joint session of the Palauan Legislature and have bilateral meetings with the Presidents of the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia who will be in Palau for the Micronesian Chief Executives’ Summit.
Nominee for International Women of Courage Awards by Embassy Suva
Meanwhile, US Ambassador Judith Cefkin awarded the Embassy’s Nominee for the International Women of Courage Awards to Joleen Mataele of Tonga.
Ms Mataele was the nominee from this region including Kiribati, Nauru, Tuvalu and Fiji.
The Ambassador said they have picked their choice under recognizing women with extraordinary efforts to stand for women’s right and hardworking.
This award is an American Award presented annually by the US Department of States to women around the world who have shown leadership, courage, resourcefulness and willingness to sacrifice for others, especially in promoting women’s rights.
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Issued by the: Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications