Tonga celebrated the inaugural International Day for Dialogue among Civilisations at a reception at the Chinese Embassy in Nuku‘alofa today.
The June 10 event marked the UN’s newly adopted annual day, proposed by China and endorsed at the 78th UN General Assembly last year.
The Chinese Ambassador to Tonga His Excellency Liu Weimin stated in his address: “When we embrace dialogue among civilisations we dissolve prejudices and build shared futures.” He added, “Chinese people and Tongan people have become brothers and sisters,” and reaffirmed: “looking forward, we’re confident of developing relations between China and Tonga.”
The ambassador also said, “only by listening with an open mind and engaging in open dialogue as equals can we achieve true understanding and coexistence among diverse civilisations.”
Ambassador Liu further stressed his government’s role in advocating for women’s participation and gender equality within the dialogue, noting China will host a global summit on women empowerment later this year.
Liu highlighted blending traditional knowledge with new technology and referenced shared values like ‘ofa and faka’apa‘apa, adding: “civilisations don’t clash, they clasp hands.”
The reception, co‑hosted by the Chinese Embassy, Tonga Tradition Committee and Ministry of Tourism, was attended by HRH Crown Prince Tupoutoʻa ʻUlukalala, Crown Princess Sinaitakala Tukuʻaho, Prime Minister, MPs, and dignitaries.
Speeches were also delivered by the Tourism Minister and Chairman of the Tonga Tradition Committee, Lord Vaea. Tongan students added cultural depth with performances of Tongan and Chinese pieces.
This event reflects the ever growing China‑Tonga ties since their diplomatic establishment in 1998, reinforcing cultural and political bonds.
