Tonga PM advocates for unity amid Pacific diplomatic tensions

Tonga’s Prime Minister Dr ‘Aisake Eke says maintaining regional peace and unity is a key aspect of his role as Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), especially as tensions rise between New Zealand, the Cook Islands, and Kiribati.

In an interview with PMN News, Eke confirms he has exchanged letters with Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown in response to recent disputes among Forum members, although they have yet to meet in person.

“I think that's helped provide clarity and also explanation and seeing each other eye to eye, and that's where the regional organisation comes in,” Eke says.

“I think, to compliment and also pull together everyone. This is where we go. We made some differences, but after all, we are all heading in the same direction.”

The diplomatic rift follows New Zealand’s review of its $102 million development programme with Kiribati, which has been cancelled, and the lack of consultation from the Cook Islands over a comprehensive partnership agreement signed earlier this year with China.

Eke says he is not worried about a potential mass migration of Tongans to New Zealand, even if border restrictions are further relaxed.

He says most people who leave for work or study overseas tend to return home.

His comments come as New Zealand announces new visa changes to make it easier for Pacific people wishing to visit family and friends.

Starting in July, visitors from PIF member countries will be eligible for a multi-entry visitor visa valid for 24 months, an extension from the previous 12-month limit.

NZ Deputy PM Vaovasamanaia Winston Peters met with Dr 'Aisake Eke during the Tonga leg of Peters' Pacific tour. Photo/PMN News/Joseph Safiti

Eke does not expect relaxed visa rules to lead to permanent emigration by Pacific Islanders.

“When we discussed remittances about two decades ago, the perception was the first generation who left were the people who actually still had a strong bond to our kingdom.

“So the theory was that after them, the second generation would not have any strong relations with Tonga. But that's not happened.”

Watch NZ Deputy PM Vaovasamanaia Winston Peters' visa announcement below.

Looking ahead

With elections just months away, Eke is leaving his political future in the hands of voters.

He is countering critics who suggest that his government lacks the time to effect meaningful change before the November elections.

“The advantage that we have in the parliament, we have been there for some time.”

Eke's tenure will last until November 2025, coinciding with Tonga’s General Election.. Photo/PMN News/Joseph Safiti

Eke served as Tonga’s Minister of Finance from January 2015 to March 2017, where he played a crucial role in shaping significant policy decisions.

“To me, the issue isn’t how long you have here. It's what you have done with the time that you have here.”

Watch the full press conference with Winston Peters and Dr 'Aisake Eke in Nuku'alofa on Friday.