(Radio & TV Tonga, Nuku’alofa, 29/09/2016)

H.R.H. Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukālala graced Tonga’s special program to mark the 67^th anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China last evening.

On behalf of the Government of Tonga, Deputy Prime Minister – Hon. Siaosi Sovaleni congratulated China for its milestone and praised their endless support for managing its population and country which Tonga has been fortunate to receive assistance from, in various sectors.

They include projects to be resilient to the impacts of climate change, tourism, health, economy, defense, assisting with the Tonga’s preparation to the 2019 Pacific Games, construction of St. George Palace and the Pangai Si’i Ground and sister city cooperation with Vava’u and Ha’apai.

“This month of September witness a joint government empowerment delegation from Tonga visiting China to strengthen solidarity and cooperation and I am pleased to inform of the successful participation of the Lord Speaker of Parliament and the International Day of Peace in Ningxia. Last year I had the pleasure to lead a delegation to Ningxia and it is the same province that establish the sister city relation with Vava’u Lahi. This year Ha’apai Island follows with formerly establishing a friendship city relationship with Donguang City in the Guangdong province purposely to explore revenues for mutual interests enhance people to people exchange and to promote long lasting friendships. Tonga and China has taken to effect the visa exemption program for ordinary passport holders which momentously strengthen our people to people exchanges, boost the tourism sector and advance the mutual understanding between our two people.”

He concluded with a toast to the President and the People’s Republic of China.

China’s Ambassador to Tonga H.E. Huang Huaguang thanked the Government of Tonga for their close collaboration and hoping it will continue in the future.

He quoted a Chinese poetry, that true fiends afar bring a distant land near.

Both China and Tonga are developing countries and we have the crushing task for development and improving the living standard of our people.

He added we are thousands of miles apart from each other but the exchanges are growing, mutual beneficial cooperation are enlarging and the friendship between the two people are deepening.

Chinese people and the Government would continue to support Tongan people and the Government to reach its sustainable development goals.

Chinese side is ready to further expand the cooperation with the government and to bring more benefits for the people.

He concluded with a toast for the prosperity of China and Tonga and For China -Tonga Friendship.

Attending the celebration were Nobles of the Realm, Ministers of the Crown, members of the Diplomatic Corps and many guests.

© Radio & TV Tonga News 2016