The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:
Secretary of State Blinken met today with Prime Minister Hu‘akavameiliku and Foreign Minister Fekitamoeloa Utoikamanu of Tonga.
The two sides had substantive and constructive discussions on key priorities in the bilateral relationship and on a range of global and regional issues. Secretary Blinken outlined how the United States is following through on commitments made by President Biden at last year’s historic Summit with Pacific Islands leaders to elevate our diplomatic and development presence and engagement in the region and that President Biden looks forward to hosting Pacific Islands Forum leaders again in Washington this fall. Secretary Blinken highlighted recent bilateral advancements between the United States and Tonga, including the opening of the new U.S. Embassy in Nuku‘alofa, and the returning of Peace Corps volunteers to Tonga following the end of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Secretary also highlighted the United States’ efforts to tackle the climate crisis in the Pacific, including expanding early warning systems and climate information services.
Source: Office of the Spokesperson