On 13 December 2023, the Legislative Assembly of Tonga was honored to host to His Excellency Professor Hon. Hao Ping, Vice Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee (FAC) of the National People's Congress of China, and members of the FAC.
During this high-level visit, the Acting Speaker, Lord Tu'iha'angana, joined by Members of the Assembly, extended a cordial welcome to His Excellency and the delegation during their bilateral talks. The discussions centered around the importance of fostering stronger relations and facilitating the exchange of knowledge and experiences between our respective legislatures, especially through people to people exchanges.
This visit symbolizes a significant milestone in the ongoing dialogue between our parliamentary bodies since the establishment of our diplomatic ties 25 years ago.
The two delegations also discussed matters of mutual cooperation in terms of building climate resilience, trade, economic development and mutual cooperation, peaceful co-existence and providing healthcare assistance such as visits that had been conducted by the Medical Hospital Ship, the Peace Ark.
His Excellency Hon Hao Ping, in addition to his role as Vice Chairman, holds the prestigious position of Chair of the Peking University Council. Furthermore, the visit holds special significance as Hon Professor Hao Ping shares an alumni status with Honorable Prime Minister Hu'akavameiliku from the distinguished East-West Centre in Hawaii, where they studied at the same time.
The Acting Speaker Lord Tu’iha’angana asked the delegation to convey the Lord Speaker and the Legislative Assembly’s best wishes to the Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, His Excellency Hon Zhao Leji upon their return.
The delegation are in Tonga from 12-15 December, 2023 as part of high level visit to the Parliaments of Samoa and Tonga.