Welcome to Tonga

Mr ‘Akilisi Pohiva
Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Tonga

Malo-e-lelei!, and Welcome to the Kingdom of Tonga portal of the “Commonwealth of Nations” website.

Tongans are very proud of the fact that theirs is the only country in Oceania to retain its monarchy and independence throughout history. Its first codified laws date back to 1839 and its Constitution was adopted by its Legislative Assembly in 1875. That Constitution continues to be the bedrock of the rule of law in Tonga today.

Tongans are also proud of their long association with the United Kingdom and thus with the Commonwealth of Nations, having been under the protection of Great Britain from 1900 to 1970. This pride was epitomised by what the British media described as, “The joyous defiance of the pelting rain by Salote, Queen of Tonga, in her open carriage,” during the procession through the streets of London on 2 June 1953 during the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.

As Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Tonga I am committed to working together with my fellow Heads of Government towards making the world a better and more secure place for us all and all future generations.

The above message was provided by the then Prime Minister Dr. Feleti Vaka’uta Sevele.

Source: http://www.commonwealthofnations.org/country/pacific/tonga/