Tonga's prime minister. Dr Feleti Seveli, says his interim Fiji counterpart, Commodore Bainimarama, will be most welcome at the 38th Pacific Forum summit which begins in the kingdom next week.
Fiji's department of information reports that Dr Sevele made the comment while opening a meeting of civil society organisations in Nuku'alofa yesterday.
Dr Sevele said he saw nothing wrong with Commodore Bainimarama's attendance at the Forum as it is his right to be there and because Fiji is a major leader in regional affairs.
On Australia and New Zealand's opposition to Commodore Bainimarama's attendance, Dr Sevele said this is not the first nor the last time there will be differences and it is for the leaders to sit down and sort things out.
Commodore Bainimarama will leave for Tonga on Monday.