Prime Minister (PM) James Marape met with the Tongan Prime Minister Hon. Siaosi Ofakivaha Sovaleni discussing further development initiatives to strengthen ties during the current 53rd Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders Meeting in Nuku’alofa, Tonga on Monday, August 26th, 2024. PM Marape expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Sovaleni for meeting him while overwhelmed as the host of the 53rd PIF Leaders Meeting to meet and hold discussions with him and his PNG delegation.  Prime Minister Marape highlighted the PNG-Tonga relations in the people-to-people relation which began with the spreading of the word of God by Tongan missionaries as notable example. Late Reverend Sione Kami who served in the Highlands region of PNG before establishing what is now the Reverend Sione Kami Memorial Church in Port Moresby, symbolizing the deep ties between the two nations. Also expressing Additional relations such as the Union Of PNG’s Governor General Sir Bob Dadae and lady Emeline Dadae from Tonga, further strengthening these bonds. PM Marape assured PM Sovaleni in terms of bilateral relations, underscored the PNG Government’s commitment of K10 million to assist in Tonga’s rehabilitation efforts following the devastating undersea volcanic eruption and tsunami in early 2022. Furthermore, the PM also discussed key initiatives, including the Pacific Marine Industrial Zone Project, which focuses on the industrial development of offshore fisheries, and the East New Britain Initiative, a regional concept established during the recent Forum Fisheries Meeting in September 2023 held in Kokopo, PNG. “The East New Britain Initiative will involve the broader Forum Membership when successfully implemented as envisioned in the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. PNG welcomes Tonga and all PIF members to partner with us in this Regional Initiative.” Tonga’s PM Sovaleni warmly welcomed Prime Minister Marape and the PNG delegation, expressing his appreciation for their visit to Tonga during the PIF meeting.