No changes to Tonga cabinet - PM

Tonga's Prime Minister, Dr 'Aisake Eke, has announced that his new Cabinet will consist of the same ministers from the previous administration until his new ministers are officially appointed.

Eke was officially appointed Prime Minister of Tonga by King Tupou VI earlier this week during a private ceremony at the Royal Palace in Nuku'alofa.

Following the ceremony, Eke delivered his inaugural announcement, expressing confidence that the current ministers can effectively carry out their responsibilities in their respective portfolios for the Kingdom.

Tonga is set to hold general elections in November.

Tongan PM Dr 'Aisake Eke, left and Pacific Islands Forum Secretary-General Baron Waqa. Photo/PM Tonga Press

Eke has also assumed the chairmanship of the Pacific Islands Forum and recently met with the Secretary-General, Baron Waqa, in Tonga.

Waqa provided Eke with a high-level briefing regarding the chair's responsibilities and outlined the region's key priorities before the 54th Leaders Meeting in September in the Solomon Islands.

The priorities include preparations for the High-Level Talanoa on Deep Sea Minerals in Suva next month.

“I am committed to continuing Tonga’s leadership role in the region, and I look forward to working with colleague leaders to advance the regional priorities of the Pacific Islands Forum," Eke said.

Watch the full announcement below.

"Recognising the importance of the work programme before us as the Forum, I am grateful that the Secretariat General was able to facilitate a comprehensive briefing on the expectations of Tonga and the deliverables this year as the region works towards the Leaders Meeting in Honiara in September this year."

Eke will also chair several important ministerial meetings this year, including the Special Forum Economic Ministers Meeting, the Forum Trade Ministers Meeting, and the Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting.