Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku and Japan’s Ambassador to Tonga, Mr. Inagaki Hisao, signed an agreement today for Japan’s Non-Project Grant Assistance (NPGA) to provide firefighting trucks and equipment to Tonga. The ceremony took place at the Prime Minister’s Office.
The US$1.9 million grant, which will provide two pumper trucks, two water tanker trucks, and three pick up trucks is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Tonga’s disaster response capabilities, particularly following the 2022 Hunga-Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcanic eruption and tsunami.
The Prime Minister and the Minister for Police, Fire & Emergency Services said that this assistance would improve the Tonga Fire and Emergency Services’ ability to handle emergencies and protect lives and property from both natural and man-made disasters.
The agreement reflects the strong and longstanding partnership between Tonga and Japan, especially in disaster management. Ambassador Inagaki expressed his gratitude for the collaboration and the opportunity to support Tonga’s efforts in strengthening its emergency services. The firefighting trucks will be sent from Japan to Tonga at a later date.
During the triennial meeting with Pacific leaders and Japan (PALM10) last month, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida met with PM Hu’akavameiliku to discuss Japan’s key infrastructure projects in Tonga and including non-project grant aid to Tonga in areas of health, education, fisheries, agriculture, and disaster relief operations, as well as defense cooperation.
