High-ranking United States diplomat Wendy Sherman will meet with Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku in Nuku’alofa on Friday 5.
The Prime Minister’s office this afternoon invited media “to cover the Official Visit”.
The Office said a photo shoot opportunity of the Prime Minister, the Hon Hu’akavameiliku and HE Sherman was made available at 4pm on Friday 5 at the Cabinet Office, Level 3, St George Building, Nuku’alofa.
“There will also be a signing ceremony of an Energy Grant of US$100,000″.
At 6pm Hon Prime Minister was expected to host a reception to mark the 50th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between the Kingdom of Tonga and the United States of America.
A USAID NEMO Program will be held at Fa’onelua Convention Centre on Saturday, August 6 at 9am – 10am.
A Grant Signing Ceremony with Women in ICT will be held at Fā’onelua Convention Centre at 11am.
There will be an opportunity for a press roundtable interview at 12.30pm – 1pm.
A statement published by the US State Department on Thursday said Sherman will meet with King Tupou VI and other senior Tongan government officials to commemorate 50 years of bilateral relations between the United States and Tonga.
“The most senior U.S. official to visit Tonga in the history of our relationship, the Deputy Secretary will discuss bilateral cooperation, including the United States’ interest in beginning discussions to establish a U.S. embassy in Tonga—announced by Vice President Kamala Harris at the Pacific Islands Forum in July—as well as ongoing recovery efforts from the volcano eruption and tsunami in January, for which the United States has provided over $2.6 million in assistance.
“She will also deliver remarks at an event with Tongan students and young people, meet with members of Tongan civil society, and visit U.S. Peace Corps staff.
The Peace Corps has been active in Tonga for 55 years and will return volunteers to the field in 2023″.
