THE HON PAT CONROY
MINISTER FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND THE PACIFIC
Today I will travel to the Kingdom of Tonga to strengthen our deep and longstanding partnership and to listen and understand Tonga’s development priorities first-hand.
I look forward to meeting Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku, and members of his Cabinet, the private sector and civil society to discuss how we can progress our shared development and regional priorities.
I will reinforce Australia’s commitment to Tonga’s economic recovery following the devastating impacts of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcanic eruption and subsequent tsunami, and the continued community effects of COVID-19.
I will focus on ensuring our development partnership is meeting Tonga’s needs and priorities for the future. This includes health and gender programs, infrastructure, climate change, security including policing, upskilling workers and labour mobility.
The Australian Government is bringing new energy and more resources to the Pacific, and I look forward to my first visit to Tonga as Minister for International Development and the Pacific.
Australia and Tonga are working together to address shared challenges, including climate change, regional security and pandemic recovery.
I am committed to working closely with Tonga to strengthen our partnership and work towards our shared goal of a peaceful, prosperous and resilient Pacific family.
Media Contact
Peta Donald: +61 435 521 326
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
media@dfat.gov.au
Authorised by the Hon Pat Conroy, Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Australia.