King Tupou VI receives Tonga's new Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni, after presenting the Royal Warrant of Appointment for the PM at the Royal Palace in Nuku'alofa on Tuesday 28 December 2021. Sovaleni was elected as PM by the new parliament, following Tonga's November 18 general election. Photo: Pesi Fonua / Matangi Tonga Online
Tonga's Acting Prime Minister Samiuela Vaipulu says the government will resolve its differences with the King "the Pacific way".
This comes after the government rejected a directive from the Privy Council, which said King Tupou VI was revoking the ministerial appointments for defence, held by Prime Minister Hu'akavameilku, and foreign affairs held Fekita 'Utoikamanu.
Tonga's Attorney-General Linda Folaumoetu'i advised the Prime Minister and Cabinet that the Privy Council's letter stating that the King's directive was unconstitutional.
Vaipulu told journalists at a news conference on Wednesday that they have relayed the Attorney-General's advise to the Palace Office.
"We are still awating for a time to have an audience with His Majesty and we can find a way forward," he said.
"We do it the Pacific Way. We talanoa."