28th July, 2021 The signing and excahange of note by the Hon Prime Minister, Rev. Dr.Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa and HE Mr. Munenaga Kensaku, Japanese Ambassador to Tonga.
The Exchange Note Signing for the provision of equipment such as water trucks, protective gears, loud haulers and others for practical disaster management at the NEMO Office, under the Japan Non -Project Grant Assistance (NGPA) was signed between the Hon. Prime Minister, Rev. Dr. Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa and His Excellency, Mr. Munenaga Kensaku, the Japanese Ambassador to Tonga, on Wednesday 28 July, 2021, at the Prime Minister’s Office.
The Ɏ200,000,000 grant (approximately US$2 million) NPGA will create awareness of the importance of disaster prevention among each and every individual and reinforce the prompt initial response in the case of hazards. The Grant plays a great role in overcoming Tonga’s vulnerability to natural hazards and ensure Tonga’s resilience.
The Hon Prime Minister, Rev. Dr.Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa extend his gratefulness to the Government of Japanese Government for the prompt approving of this non-profit grant agreement following the PALM9 summit, earlier this month.
“The PALM9 process took stock of our imminent concerns and the harsh reality that we as Pacific Leaders will have to face, in building our resilience in times of uncertainty,” the Prime Minister said adding that Japan recognizes the gravity of both struggles against climate change and the vulnerability to the health crisis.
Prime Minister Tu’i’onetoa also announced the further support for our human security against the pandemic, where Tonga is expecting a shipment of vaccines to be handed over from the Government of Japan to the Government of Tonga later this month.
He mentioned that there’s no doubt that climate change resilience has been further compromised by the impacts of COVID-19 pandemic. He extends Tonga’s sincere appreciation and heartfelt thanks to the Government of Japan and to Prime Minister SUGA for the assistance.
“Tonga is ranked as the second most vulnerable country to natural disasters. Against this reality, it is necessary for Tonga to be always well prepared for disasters and once it happens, a well organised and efficient response for restoration should be expected,” said His Excellency Mr. Kensaku.
He stated that the assistance would contribute to better disaster prevention and the resilience of Tonga. His Excellency mentioned that some of the equipment will be deployed to the outer islands and to town officers and small communities with hope that the equipment provided will assist people’s preparedness against disaster.
This assistance was based on a request from the Government of Tonga, endorsed by Prime Minister SUGA of Japan, during the 9th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM 9), on 2 July, 2021. Such assistance, highly covered in Climate Change and Resilience, is one of the priority areas of cooperation during the PALM 9 meeting.
The NPGA is to support developing countries by promoting its economic and social development efforts including poverty reduction.
ENDS
Issued by the: The Prime Minister’s Office, P.O. Box 62, Nuku’alofa, Tonga. Tel: (676) 24 644/24615/7401351 Fax: (676) 23 888; For media enquiries- Email: pressroom@pmo.gov.to ; Website: www.pmo.gov.to