His Majesty’s Honorary Consul-General of the Kingdom of Tonga to the Portuguese Republic, Anthony Bailey, has participated in a series of diplomatic, cultural and institutional engagements in Lisbon and elsewhere, reflecting the active presence of the Consulate-General of the Kingdom of Tonga in Portugal within the international diplomatic community.
On the 22 January 2026 Mr Bailey attended a reception to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Insitute for the Promotion of Latin America and the Caribbean (IPDAL) at the Palacio Marquis Fronteira. The reception and speeches were hosted by its President and Portuguese Member of Parliament Dr Paulo Neves who recently visited the Kingdom of Tonga.
The Institute for the Promotion of Latin America and the Caribbean (IPDAL), states its purpose as being “A Portuguese institution that brings people together in meaningful conversations, transcending geographical and political boundaries. While Latin America and the Caribbean is the focal point of the organization, the reach extends far beyond, encompassing Europe, Africa and Asia. This intercontinental perspective reflects a dedication to creating connections that resonate on a truly global scale”. For more information please visit www.ipdal.org
On 26 January 2026, the Consul-General attended the annual diplomatic reception hosted by the Mayor of Lisbon, Carlos Moedas, bringing together members of the diplomatic corps accredited to Portugal and representatives of the capital’s civic leadership.
Also on 26 January 2026, the Consul-General attended celebrations marking the 77th National Day of the Republic of India, hosted by H.E. Ambassador Puneet Roy Kundal, which took place at the Estufa Fria, Parque Eduardo VII, Lisbon. The Kingdom of Tonga and India established diplomatic relations in 1970.
Between 4 and 6 February 2026, the Consul-General undertook a visit to the historic town of Estremoz in the Alentejo, renowned for its distinctive marble architecture and rich cultural heritage. During the visit he explored the medieval walled city, including Estremoz Castle and the Torre das Três Coroas, as well as the town’s elegant central square, Rossio Marquês de Pombal. Estremoz is also famed for its white marble quarries, which have contributed to some of Portugal’s most notable architectural works.
The visit also included travel through the surrounding Alentejo countryside and visits to the historic towns of Veiros and Monforte, both known for their traditional architecture and longstanding place in the cultural landscape of the region.
On 6 February 2026, during engagements connected with the Royal Order of Our Lady of Vila Viçosa, the Consul-General attended a gathering at the Turf Club in London, where he had the pleasure of meeting the Deputy Prime Minister of Hungary, Dr Zsolt Semjén, together with H.E. Dr Emília Fábián, Ambassador of Hungary to Portugal. The programme also included a Mass at the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição Velha in Lisbon. The Kingdom of Tonga and Hungary established diplomatic relations in 2017.
On 11 February 2026, the Consul-General held a cordial meeting with the Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to Portugal, H.E. Ana Ilić at the Embassy of Serbia in Lisbon. The Kingdom of Tonga and Serbia established diplomatic relations in 2010.
Also on 11 February 2026, the Consul-General met with Mr Abdulrahman Alhajailan, Chargé d’Affaires of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, during discussions at the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Lisbon. The Kingdom of Tonga and Saudi Arabia established diplomatic relations in 2000.
On 12 February 2026, the Consul-General attended a cultural evening to mark St Brigid’s Day and celebrating the creativity of women hosted by H.E. Alma Ní Choigligh Ambassador of Ireland to Portugal. The evening featured a screening of the Irish short film “Brown Bread” at Culturgest, Edifício-sede da Caixa Geral de Depósitos in Lisbon. A Q & A followed with the Irish writer and director Shaunagh Connaire. The Kingdom of Tonga and Ireland established diplomatic relations in 2000.
The week also included celebrations marking the 35th anniversary of the liberation of the State of Kuwait and the 65th anniversary of Kuwait’s independence, at a reception held on 12 February 2026 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Lisbon, hosted by H.E. Hamad Ali Alhazeem, Ambassador of Kuwait to Portugal. The Kingdom of Tonga and the State of Kuwait established diplomatic relations in 2014.
On 24 February 2026, the Consul-General attended the reception marking the 18th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Kosovo, hosted by H.E. Dr Edona Maloku Bërdyna, Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo to Portugal, and held at the historic Palácio de Fronteira in Lisbon. The Kingdom of Tonga established diplomatic relations with Kosovo in 2014.
Through such engagements, the Consulate-General of the Kingdom of Tonga in Portugal continues to strengthen its ties with the diplomatic corps while promoting friendship and cooperation between the Kingdom of Tonga, Portugal and the wider international community.
