A high‑level delegation from Tonga’s Legislative Assembly is visiting Australia from 21–28 June, under an Australia‑led push to strengthen regional ties.
Led by Hon. Siaosi Sovaleni and Lord Tu‘ilakepa, the group includes Hon. Dr Mo‘ale ‘Otunuku, Dr Sione Vikilani and Mr Cullum Finley.
Their visit began in Sydney with a Free Church of Tonga service, before travelling to Canberra for meetings with DFAT officials. They were welcomed by Stacy Nation and Rachael Moore.
A major highlight was a roundtable on maritime and border security covering IUU fishing, surveillance, policing, border control and counter‑narcotics. DFAT’s Rob Krauss chaired the session, which involved Defence, ABF and AFP representatives.
The delegation will also meet with DFAT on cyber and online safety, and with the Departments of Education and Infrastructure.
The delegation also laid a wreath during the Last Post Ceremony at the Australian War Memorial to honour fallen servicemen.
In Canberra, Acting High Commissioner Curtis Tu’ihalangingie hosted a formal dinner attended by Tongan‑Australian community leaders, ANU students and diaspora members.
Australia and Tonga, long‑standing partners celebrating 55 years of diplomatic relations in 2025, also cooperate on development, defence and disaster resilience.
