Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met with his Tongan counterpart, Prime Minister the Hon Hu'akavameiliku, during the Pacific Island Forum Leaders' Meeting in Nuku'alofa today. Australia is pleased to be working closely with Tonga, as the new Forum Chair, on the most important issues facing our region.
Australia's relationship with Tonga is built on our long-standing development, economic and security partnerships. It is underpinned by the rich ties between our people, including a valued 40,000-strong community of Tongan Australians.
The Prime Ministers discussed the importance of Australian support for Tonga's priorities of economic recovery and critical infrastructure, particularly following the devastating 2022 Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcanic eruption and tsunami. Australia was proud to support Tonga in the immediate aftermath of the disaster, including through 24 ADF flights bringing in over 370 tonnes of humanitarian assistance.
Australia and New Zealand are working together with the Tongan Government to support sustainable and climate resilient infrastructure. This includes the construction of Tonga's new Parliament House and the delivery of a second international undersea telecommunications cable, the Tonga Hawaiki Branch System. The new cable will provide Tongan communities with more reliable communications services and international connectivity, and improve Tonga's resilience in the case of any future disasters.
The Prime Ministers welcomed recent developments on the new cable, including the completion of preparatory maritime survey work. Australia has proudly contributed $30 million to the new cable project. Work is underway to establish the Tonga Hawaiki Branch System cable infrastructure by late 2025.
Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:
"I am honoured to be in Tonga for the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders' Meeting, and thank Prime Minister Hu'akavameiliku for his leadership in hosting this vital regional gathering.
"I am also proud to partner with New Zealand to support our Pacific family, and ensure that Tonga has high quality and climate resilient infrastructure, through our joint support for Tonga's new Parliament House and its second international undersea telecommunications cable.
"Australia's contribution towards the Tonga Hawaiki Branch System is part of our broader investment in secure and resilient telecommunications infrastructure across the region."
