Japan supports key infrastructure project in Tonga

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan welcomed Prime Minister Sovalenei to attend a bilateral meeting during the Pacific Leaders and Japan Triennial Meeting (PALM10) to be held in Tokyo from July 16 to 18, 2024 to discuss common interests.

Japan will support Tonga in implementing several key infrastructure projects, including the expansion and construction of Fuaamotu Airport, Nuku’alofa waterfront, and the main road from the airport to Nuku’alofa.

Other initiatives discussed included non-project grant aid, grassroots projects in health, education, fisheries, agriculture and disaster relief operations, and defense cooperation. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will play a key role in managing these projects.

The Tongan delegation included the Minister of Agriculture and Acting Minister of Fisheries Lord Fohe, Chief Secretary Paula Pwalu Ma’u, Ambassador His Excellency Suka Mangisi and Fisheries Chief Executive Walala Matoto.