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Pacific Island leaders arriving in Tonga for the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting were given a grand red carpet welcome at Fuaamotu International Airport, complete with a brass band and solo dance performances.
Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General Baron Waqa arrived on Thursday and was received by Chief Secretary and Cabinet Secretary Paula Ma’u. Upon arrival, Secretary General Waqa called on Prime Minister, Hon. Hu’akavameiliku, to thank him for the preparations for the Leaders’ Meeting.
Federated States of Micronesia President William Simina, Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine and Palau State Minister Gustav Aitaro also arrived in Tonga on Thursday on a Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) Boeing 757 aircraft. They were welcomed by Tonga’s Deputy Prime Minister, the Honourable Samiu Vaipulu, and other key ministers including the Honourable Fekita Utoikamanu, Minister of Economy, Trade and Economic Development, the Honourable Viliami Usik Ratu, Minister of Trade and Economic Development and Minister of Tourism, the Honourable Lord Fohe, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, and Chief Secretary Paula Ma’u.
Earlier on Thursday, Tuvalu Prime Minister Feleti Teo arrived on Fiji Airways and was welcomed by Fekita Utoikamanu and Chief Secretary Paula Ma’u.
The rest of the Pacific leaders, including the Commonwealth and United Nations secretaries-general, are expected to arrive in Tonga tomorrow.
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