During the 5th Archipelagic and Island States Forum (AIS) in Bali on October 10, 2023, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi and Tonga's Deputy Prime Minister Samiu Kuita Vaipulu explored opportunities for cooperation in ecotourism development. They discussed potential collaboration within the framework of the AIS Forum, with a focus on enhancing ecotourism infrastructure in Tonga. Additionally, DPM Vaipulu proposed cooperation in capacity building for disaster risk management and climate change mitigation, considering Tonga's vulnerability to natural disasters in the Pacific region. He also sought Indonesia's partnership, particularly in the field of fisheries.
Foreign Minister Retno expressed Indonesia's support for Tonga as the Chair of the Pacific Island Forum (PIF) in 2024 and encouraged the implementation of cooperation between ASEAN and PIF, recently agreed upon in early September. Both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region. This diplomatic engagement builds on the desire to strengthen relations and collaboration between the two countries, covering various areas such as trade, disaster management, climate change, tourism, and cultural exchange, as emphasized by the Indonesian Ambassador to Tonga, Fientje Maritje Suebu, during the presentation of her credentials to the King of Tonga in February 2022.
