On 5 November 2026, Comendador Anthony Bailey, Honorary Consul-General of the Kingdom of Tonga to the Portuguese Republic, paid a courtesy visit to Lieutenant-General Marco António Serronha, Vice-President of the Portuguese Red Cross (Cruz Vermelha Portuguesa), at its national headquarters in the historic Palácio do Conde d’Óbidos in Lisbon.
The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss humanitarian cooperation, disaster preparedness and the work of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, particularly in supporting vulnerable communities in the South Pacific.
The Portuguese and Tonga Red Cross Societies
Founded in 1865, the Portuguese Red Cross is one of Portugal’s oldest humanitarian organisations, providing emergency assistance, healthcare, social support and disaster relief through its nationwide network of branches and volunteers.
The Tonga Red Cross Society, established in 1961, plays an important role in disaster preparedness, emergency response and community resilience across the Kingdom’s islands.
Its work was particularly significant following the devastating eruption of the Hunga Tonga–Hunga Haʻapai volcano and subsequent tsunami on 15 January 2022, when Red Cross volunteers, supported by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, provided emergency shelter materials, drinking water and essential supplies to affected communities.
The meeting highlighted the importance of international humanitarian cooperation and opportunities for strengthening links between the Portuguese and Tongan Red Cross societies.
Visit to the Palácio do Conde d’Óbidos
Following the meeting, the Portuguese Red Cross kindly arranged a private tour of the historic Palácio do Conde d’Óbidos, overlooking the River Tagus.
Originally built in the 17th century as the residence of the Counts of Óbidos, the palace was acquired by the Portuguese Red Cross in 1919 and has served as its national headquarters since 1940. The visit provided an opportunity to appreciate its architectural heritage, historic interiors and decorative artworks.
The Consulate-General expressed its appreciation to Lieutenant-General Serronha and the Portuguese Red Cross for their hospitality and the opportunity to discuss humanitarian priorities of mutual interest.
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