THE Acting Speaker of Parliament today warmly welcomes the Kingdom of Norway’s  Ambassador to Tonga, H.E Mr Paul Gulleik Larsen to the Legislative Assembly of Tonga.
Lord Tu’ilakepa welcomed the visiting diplomat during a meeting at the Speaker’s Office and hopeful the diplomatic relations between the two countries will further be strengthened. 
Diplomatic relations between the Norwegian Government and the Kingdom of Tonga was established in 1988 to further strengthen the close and friendly ties that already exist between Norway and Tonga. And the growing cooperation, mutual understanding and respect which the two countries share with the international community.  
His Excellency Mr Larsen wishes that the cooperation between the two countries will continue to grow. He was also hopeful for an opportunity for a Tongan parliamentary delegation to visit Norway and witnessed the parliamentary democratic system in Norway.
The new Ambassador also paid special attention to the issue of climate change and the impacts of plastics on the environment. 
Last December, Norway provided USD$2 million towards renewable energy research in Tonga announced by the Norwegian International Development Minister, Nikolai Astrup, during the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ summit in Nauru.
Hon. Astrup announced “the pledge is dedicated to the Pacific Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency which was established in Nuku’alofa to promote policy and investment in renewable energy.
The Ambassador-designate of the Kingdom of Norway to Tonga but reside in Canberra, presented his credentials to His Majesty yesterday, 21 March 2019.  
He will return to Tonga when Norway’s Crown Prince His Royal Highness Prince Haakon scheduled to tour Tonga on a royal visit  next month ( from April 5-6, 2019). 
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