Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong has announced a significant AUD$50 million (US$32 million) package aimed at boosting Tonga’s health infrastructure and economic
resilience.
While in Tonga, Wong reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to Pacific sovereignty.
She said Australia is honoured to be Tonga’s largest development and security partner.
“But you know what we value most? We value most your trust,” Wong said.
“That is what we value most, that is why we are here and that is why we want to be, continue to be, trusted
friends.”
The funding, spanning four years, includes the next phase of the Tonga-Australia Support Platform and the Health Sector Support Programme, designed explicitly around Tonga’s own national priorities.
An additional AUD$5 million (US$3.22 million) in budget support will specifically strengthen Tonga’s healthcare system and assist with critical budgetary pressures.
Wong emphasises Australia’s engagement in Tonga and the wider Pacific is driven by a desire to support genuine regional independence and stability.
“We’re joined not just by geography, but also by history and by friendship and we are also joined by a shared vision of the Blue Pacific,” she said.
“Peaceful, stable, prosperous, in which our sovereignty is assured and I know Tonga is a nation that has proudly assured its sovereignty, defended its sovereignty over centuries.”
Tonga’s Prime Minister Dr ‘Aisake Eke, who also chairs the Pacific Islands Forum, highlights Australia’s role as a vital regional ally.
Source: Pacnews
