This week I will travel to the Kingdom of Tonga to strengthen our deep and longstanding partnership and to learn about Tonga's priorities first-hand.
I look forward to meeting Prime Minister Hu'akavameiliku, and members of his Cabinet, the private sector and civil society to discuss development and regional priorities.
I will reinforce Australia's commitment to Tonga's economic recovery following the devastating impacts of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcanic eruption and subsequent tsunami, and the ongoing effects of COVID-19.
I will focus on ensuring our development partnership is meeting Tonga's needs. This includes health and gender programs, infrastructure, climate change, policing and security, training workers and labour mobility.
The Australian Government is bringing new energy and more resources to the Pacific, and I am pleased to be making my first visit to Tonga as Minister for International Development and the Pacific.
I am committed to working closely with Tonga to strengthen our partnership and work towards our shared goal of a peaceful, prosperous and resilient Pacific region.
