Leaders Meeting Opened At Tonga Royal Court

Forum Leaders Meeting Opened At Tonga's Royal Court

By Chris Leua In Nuku'alofa Tonga -- The Forum Leaders Meeting was officially opened today by King George Tupou V at a ceremony took place at the Pangai Royal Court, adjacent to the royal palace.

The king delivered his opening address under mild morning showers at which he first paid tribute to His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili of Samoa regarding his contribution and support to political and economic cooperation in the region, especially with the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF).

His Majesty King George, a former diplomat of the Tongan government, said the Forum has been faced with many challenges since it was established thirty-six years ago, but nevertheless has maintained those values of civility and constructive understanding which the region seek to live by.

The king thanked the Forum Leaders for having chosen Tonga for the 38th Forum Leaders Meeting, a decision he said, he greatly appreciated.

Part of the ceremony also featured traditional sitting down dance group ma'ulu'ulu performed by 910 female students from the Queen Salote College.

Fifteen-year-old granddaughter of His Late Majesty, King Taufa'hau Tupou IV the Hon Salote Maumautaimi Haim Yadessah Be Yardena Alainuanua Tuku'aho also entertained the Forum guests with the traditional solo dance, the Tau'longa, a moving and spectacular display of Tonga's finest and most elegant performing arts.

The Forum Leaders and delegates were also treated to the traditional Tongan custom of welcoming chiefs, the ha'unga, where pigs and kava were accorded to the Leaders and delegates.

Tonga's Prime Minister, Hon Dr. Feleti Seveli was equally elated and said the welcoming ceremony conveys more than just a welcome; it signifies, more importantly, the respect and esteem the Tongan people have for the Forum Leaders and delegates.

While presenting his welcome address, Dr Seveli emphasized that the Forum has achieved some of its goals of the Pacific Plan in just two years after it was adopted.

In this context, regional cooperation will only be fully realized on the basis of sustained efforts over a number of years, he said.

Also in an address during the ceremony, outgoing Interim Chairperson of the Forum, Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare continues to encourage Forum Leaders to strive to fully realize the benefits of the ambitious Pacific Plan.

"The ultimate objective of our regional cooperative efforts has always been to better lives and well-being."

"We have embarked on the challenging task of pooling our resources to make a genuine difference at the country-level."

The opening ceremony is followed by the plenary sessions. Head of the Solomon Islands' delegation, Foreign Affairs Minister, Patteson Oti will not attend the sessions as well as the Leaders Retreat tomorrow.

However, he will be attending the Post-Forum Partners Dialogue meetings on Thursday.

The Foreign Affairs Minister is accompanied by the Minister for Planning and Aid Coordination Hon Steve Abana, and their Permanent Secretaries.

ENDS

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