New York, 18 October 2025
The Ministry of Finance of the Kingdom of Tonga extends its sincere gratitude to the Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Tonga to the United Nations in New York for its pivotal role in facilitating the logistical and diplomatic support for the representation of the Hon. Dr. ‘Aisake Valu Eke, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the Kingdom of Tonga, at the 2025 World Bank–International Monetary Fund (IMF) Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C.
Working in close coordination with relevant Government Ministries, namely the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Finance, the Permanent Mission supported planning, logistical arrangements, and diplomatic engagement necessary for Tonga’s high-level representation at these global financial meetings. These efforts ensured that Tonga’s national priorities were effectively advanced at the highest international level.
H.E. Mr. Viliami Va‘inga Tōnē, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Tonga to the United Nations and concurrently Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United States of America, and his team acted as a key liaison between Tonga’s delegation and host country authorities, including the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Secret Service, airline agencies, and airport authorities, ensuring seamless coordination throughout the Prime Minister’s visit.
The Prime Minister’s engagements in Washington, D.C. highlighted Tonga’s commitment to strengthening international partnerships on climate finance, disaster resilience, and inclusive economic growth. The steadfast support of the Permanent Mission, through careful coordination across time zones and institutions, exemplified the spirit of teamwork and dedicated service to the Kingdom.
A fundamental role of the Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Tonga to the United Nations is to support Tonga’s national leadership in advancing the country’s development priorities on the global stage, through effective multilateral diplomacy and collaboration with key international partners. The similar support extended to the Hon Prime Minister and delegation by the Tongan Consul General Mr Sitafooti ‘Aho during our transit in Auckland, New Zealand.
Last but not least, the delegation would also like to acknowledge the fantastic hospitality extended during our short time in Washington DC by our very own Ms Ilaisaane Lolo and Mrs Sela Fukofuka Tu’ono at the World Bank Executive Director Office as well as Mr ‘Aholotu Palu and Mr Henry Cocker from the Pacific Catastrophe Risk Insurance Company (PCRIC) — all contributed and formed part of a larger story of service to the nation and to the Kingdom.
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