Consul-General of Tonga Pays Courtesy Visit to the Mayor of Ponta Delgada

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As part of his official visit to the Autonomous Region of the Azores, Comendador Anthony Bailey, Hon Consul-General of His Majesty The King of Tonga to the Portuguese Republic, paid a courtesy visit on 1 July 2026 to His Excellency Pedro Nascimento Cabral, Mayor of Ponta Delgada, at the Paços do Concelho in Ponta Delgada, on the island of São Miguel.

Ponta Delgada, situated on the island of São Miguel, is the largest city and municipality in the Autonomous Region of the Azores and serves as the administrative seat of the Regional Government of the Azores, making it the principal administrative centre of the archipelago. It is also one of Portugal’s most important Atlantic cities, combining a rich maritime heritage with a dynamic economy, vibrant cultural life and internationally recognised scientific and educational institutions. In 2026, Ponta Delgada proudly holds the title of Portuguese Capital of Culture, a national distinction recognising the city’s outstanding commitment to cultural development and creativity.

The meeting was conducted in a particularly warm and friendly atmosphere and provided an excellent opportunity to exchange views on matters of mutual interest while exploring opportunities to strengthen relations between the Kingdom of Tonga and the Municipality of Ponta Delgada.

Discussions focused on the many similarities shared by the Azores and the Kingdom of Tonga as oceanic archipelagos whose identities, histories and futures are closely linked to the sea. Particular attention was given to opportunities for cooperation in areas including sustainable development, maritime affairs, ocean governance, environmental protection, education, culture and the Blue Economy.

The Consul-General and the Mayor also discussed the possibility of future high-level visits from the Kingdom of Tonga to the Autonomous Region of the Azores, recognising that direct contacts between public institutions can play an important role in strengthening bilateral understanding and opening new avenues for cooperation.

During the meeting, views were also exchanged on the possibility of establishing a new organisation dedicated to promoting and strengthening Portugal’s relations with Oceania. Given Ponta Delgada’s strategic Atlantic location, its international outlook and its growing role as a centre for ocean science, culture and international cooperation, the city was recognised as one possible location from which such an initiative could develop.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Mayorl presented Comendador Anthony Bailey with the Medal of the City of Ponta Delgada, an honour which the Consul-General received with great pleasure and deep appreciation as a symbol of the friendship and goodwill existing between the Municipality of Ponta Delgada and the Kingdom of Tonga.

Speaking following the meeting, Comendador Anthony Bailey said:

“It has been a great privilege to be received by  the Mayor of Ponta Delgada. As island communities, the Azores and Tonga share many common opportunities and challenges, and I greatly value the warm welcome that has been extended to me. I am particularly honoured to received the Mayor and to receive the Medal of the City, which I shall treasure as a lasting symbol of the friendship between Ponta Delgada and the Kingdom of Tonga. I look forward to building upon the excellent discussions held today and to developing even closer cooperation in the years ahead.”

The Consul-General was accompanied by his Personal Assistant, Mr Finn Phillips-Riggs. Also present during the meeting was the Mayor’s Chief of Staff, Luís Pedro Marques da Silva, who participated in the cordial and constructive discussions.

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