10th May, 2017 Newly appointed New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs, Honourable Gerry Brownlee, is due to arrive in Tonga today on his first visit to a Pacific Island country in his new role. Minister Brownlee’s visit reflects the importance he places on New Zealand’s relationship with Tonga and the Pacific.
“New Zealand values its close relationship with Tonga. My visit provides an early opportunity to meet counterparts in Tonga and reaffirm our relationship” says Minister Brownlee.
While in Tonga, Minister Brownlee will meet with Prime Minster ‘Akilisi Pohiva, senior Tongan officials and Tongan business leaders. Minister Brownlee will also visit Tonga Police Headquarters, His Majesty’s Armed Forces Taliai Military Camp, some of Tonga’s agriculture exporters to New Zealand and a rural village in Tongatapu to observe the New Zealand Aid Programme’s support to Tonga’s energy sector.
ENDS
For further information, please contact: Mairi Forde, Public Affairs and Policy Adviser, New Zealand High Commission Office: +676 23122; Email: Mairi.Forde@mfat.govt.nz Or
Melissa Campbell, Public Affairs and Policy Adviser, New Zealand High Commission Office: +676 23122; Email: Melissa.Campbell@mfat.govt.nz