Tonga Government gives TOP$200K to help Japan

Tonga Government gives TOP$200K to help Japan

Tonga’s Prime Minister Lord Tu’ivakano presented a cheque today for TOP$200,000 to the Ambassador of Japan to Tonga H.E. Yasuo Takase, as a symbol of solidarity in the wake of the recent earthquake and tsunami disasters in Japan.

The donation, taken from the Government’s National Emergency Fund, will go towards assisting victims of the devastation.

“Our contribution is not much, due to the economic status of our country... But it may at least help one or two families,” said the Prime Minister.

He acknowledged the significant contributions of aid from Japan to Tonga over the years, and expressed his deepest condolences for the victims.

In receiving the gift, Ambassador Takase said it indicates “how deep and how close” the relations are between the two countries.

“I would like to express our sincere appreciation for the people and Government of Tonga, for your best effort... We are encouraged by every heartfelt words and actions of condolences conveyed to us,” he said.

Japan has enjoyed a close diplomatic relationship with Tonga for 41 years.

Significant aid projects backed by Japan within the past year include the upgrade of Vaiola Hospital worth over TOP$36 million, purchasing the inter-island ferry MV ‘Otuanga’ofa for more than TOP$30 million, and a TOP$11 million grant for solar electrification in the outer islands.

Since the launch of Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Project (GGP) in 1990, the Japanese Government has also funded many rural development projects, including the construction water supply systems in villages, and the upgrading of rural primary schools.

Also present at the ceremony were Secretary for Foreign Affairs Mahe’uli’uli Tupouniua and Deputy Secretary at the Prime Minister’s Office Alfred Soakai.

ENDS

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