{"id":15270,"date":"2026-11-06T23:04:22","date_gmt":"2026-11-06T23:04:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tonga-gov.pt\/?p=15270"},"modified":"2026-11-12T23:17:28","modified_gmt":"2026-11-12T23:17:28","slug":"tongas-consul-general-pays-courtesy-visit-to-the-norwegian-ambassador-in-portugal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tonga-gov.pt\/en\/tongas-consul-general-pays-courtesy-visit-to-the-norwegian-ambassador-in-portugal\/","title":{"rendered":"Tonga’s Consul-General pays Courtesy Visit to the Norwegian Ambassador in Portugal"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Comendador Anthony Bailey, Honorary Consul-General of the Kingdom of Tonga to the Portuguese Republic, paid a courtesy visit \u00a0on 5 November 2026 to Her Excellency Hanne Brusletto, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway to Portugal, at the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Lisbon.<\/p>\n

The meeting provided an opportunity to review the longstanding relations between the two Kingdoms and their shared interests in maritime affairs, ocean conservation, climate change, sustainable development and international cooperation.<\/p>\n

Tonga\u2013Norway Bilateral Relations<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Kingdom of Tonga and the Kingdom of Norway formally established diplomatic relations on 30 August 1988, marking the beginning of a relationship that has developed over nearly four decades.<\/p>\n

As constitutional monarchies and maritime nations, both countries share important interests in ocean governance, marine conservation, sustainable fisheries, renewable energy and international efforts to address climate change.<\/p>\n

A significant milestone in relations between the two Kingdoms was the Official Visit to Tonga on 5\u20136 April 2019 by HM King Haakon VIII of Norway, (then HRH Crown Prince Haakon), who succeeded on the passing of his father, HM King Harald V, on 28 August 2026.<\/p>\n

During the visit, HM King Tupou VI received the future Norwegian monarch at the Royal Palace in Nuku\u02bbalofa. HM King Tupou VI and HM Queen Nanasipau\u02bbu subsequently hosted an official dinner in his honour.<\/p>\n

The visit formed part of a wider programme encompassing Tonga, Fiji and Samoa, with the then Crown Prince accompanied by Norway’s Minister for International Development, Dag-Inge Ulstein. Its principal purpose was to strengthen Norway’s cooperation with Pacific island nations, particularly in addressing climate change, protecting the oceans and promoting sustainable development.<\/p>\n

The programme included meetings with senior Tongan officials and visits to coastal communities affected by rising sea levels, erosion and extreme weather. At \u02bbAhau Beach, the Crown Prince participated in mangrove planting, highlighting local efforts to protect vulnerable coastlines.<\/p>\n

In his address at the Royal Palace, the future King of Norway emphasised the close connection between the two countries as ocean nations, observing that their histories, economies and national identities were deeply linked to the sea. He also recognised Tonga’s contribution to international climate negotiations and the importance of cooperation in protecting the world’s oceans.<\/p>\n

The relationship between the two Royal Houses was further demonstrated in January 2022, when the then Crown Prince Haakon sent a personal message of condolence to HM King Tupou VI following the devastating Hunga Tonga\u2013Hunga Ha\u02bbapai volcanic eruption and tsunami, recalling his visit to Tonga and the hospitality he had received.<\/p>\n

Norway’s diplomatic relations with Tonga are administered through the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Canberra, Australia, whose Ambassador is concurrently accredited to the Kingdom of Tonga.<\/p>\n

Shared Maritime and Environmental Priorities<\/strong><\/p>\n

Norway’s experience in maritime industries, ocean research, renewable energy and marine resource management offers important opportunities for cooperation with Pacific island nations, including Tonga.<\/p>\n

Both Kingdoms share a commitment to international action on climate change, the protection of marine ecosystems and the sustainable development of ocean resources. Norway has also contributed to international climate financing initiatives supporting renewable energy and resilience in vulnerable island states.<\/p>\n

The courtesy visit to Ambassador Brusletto formed part of the Consulate-General’s continuing efforts to strengthen Tonga’s diplomatic relationships and encourage dialogue and cooperation with countries sharing the Kingdom’s priorities in maritime affairs, environmental protection and sustainable development.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Official sources and photographs<\/p>\n