Press Statement of His Majesty’s Diplomatic Services. 6.4.2026.
The first Diplomatic Week for 2026 was held from Wednesday 25th to Friday 27th March 2026 at the Royal Palace, marking an important occasion in the Kingdom of Tonga’s diplomatic calendar.
A Diplomatic Week is the allocated period during which newly appointed Ambassadors and High Commissioners accredited to His Majesty’s Government formally present their Letters of Credence to His Majesty the King. A Letter of Credence is a formal diplomatic instrument by which an Ambassador or High Commissioner is appointed to represent their country to another sovereign state, and its presentation to the Sovereign in a formal ceremony marks the official commencement of their diplomatic posting.
During the 2026 Diplomatic Week, four Ambassadors and High Commissioners presented their Letters of Credence to His Majesty King Tupou VI at the Royal Palace. These were:
- Estonia – H.E. Mr Jaan Reinhold, with residence in Canberra
- Pakistan – H.E. Dr Faisal Aziz Ahmed, with residence in Wellington
- India – H.E. Mr Suneet Mehta, with residence in Suva
- Türkiye – H.E. Mr Melih Karalar, with residence in Wellington
The four Heads of Mission also paid calls on the Honourable Prime Minister, Lord Fakafanua; His Royal Highness the Crown Prince Tupoutoʻa ʻUlukalala, Minister for His Majesty’s Diplomatic Services; as well as Honourable Cabinet Ministers and the Heads of Resident Diplomatic Missions.
Each Diplomatic Week provides an opportunity to cultivate long-lasting and strong partnerships between the Government of the Kingdom of Tonga and the Governments represented by the Ambassadors and High Commissioners presenting their credentials to His Majesty the King.
