Germany marks 150 years of ties with Tonga during ministerial visit

Germany has reaffirmed its commitment to Tonga during the 150th anniversary of the Treaty of Friendship between the two nations.

German Foreign Minister Dr Johann David Wadephul was in Tonga this week, after a short stopover in New Zealand that included signing a declaration on 3 February to establish diplomatic relations with Niue.

In Nuku’alofa, Wadephul was granted an audience with His Majesty King Tupou VI and held bilateral talks.

Tongan Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua says the visit reflects the strength and longevity of the relationship between the two countries and their shared focus on sustainable development and climate resilience.

He says Tonga values Germany’s continued partnership and cooperation in areas vital to the Kingdom’s future.

Germany’s support for Tonga has largely centred on regional development programmes, particularly in climate, forestry and disaster resilience.

Dr Johann David Wadephul, left, meets with Tonga's HRH The Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala, His Majesty’s Diplomatic Services Minister. Photo/German Embassy Wellington.

After the 2022 eruption of Hunga Tonga-Hunga Haʻapai and the subsequent tsunami, Germany funded a €50,000 (about NZD $90,000) project providing clean drinking water and support for community gardens.

Germany continues to support Tonga’s development through contributions to European Union funding programmes and other regional initiatives, alongside cultural and academic exchanges including archaeological research and regional visitor programmes.

However, Wadephul says the European Union should be “more flexible, energetic and present” in the Pacific, adding that countries like Tonga expect partners to act, not just share values.

He says investment in Pacific climate resilience is “money well spent”, highlighting Germany’s €5 million (about NZD $9 million) contribution to the Pacific Resilience Facility.

The Minister says that by seeking a strategic partnership with the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), Germany intends to better combine its advocacy for international law, multilateralism and an ambitious climate policy with its Pacific partners. Germany is an official PIF dialogue partner.

“It is particularly important to me that we have Tonga on our side in this,” Dr Wadephul says.

Bilateral talks between Germany and Tonga this week. Photo/German Embassy Wellington.

Germany and Tonga have maintained diplomatic ties for 150 years, dating back to a 1876 friendship treaty between the German Empire and Tonga.

Formal diplomatic relations with the Federal Republic of Germany began in 1976, followed by a Treaty on Friendly Relations and Cooperation in 1978.