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The Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Retreat was held today in Vava’u, Tonga.
18 Pacific leaders and representatives will meet in Vava’u to sign off on the resolutions they have discussed throughout the year.
Before the leaders arrived, local residents worked until the early hours of the morning cleaning streets and painting fences.
They told New Zealand’s Pacific Radio last night (Wednesday) that this was an important day for Vava’u to showcase its rich culture to the world.
Mele Vaipulu, wife of Tonga’s Deputy Prime Minister Samiera, said the visit was very special.
“It’s really important that they come here to recognise some of our weaknesses and where Tonga needs help,” she said.
“I believe this forum is a blessing.
“I think this forum will be very helpful and pleasing to the Kingdom of Tonga – not only to Tonga but to the other islands as well.”
She said Vava’u “is an island paradise”.
“Today we will visit the place where our first king, Tupou I, dedicated Tonga to God. Of course, we are called God’s people and the Friendly Island.”
Source: RNZ
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