Pacific Islands Forum leaders' in Vava'u. 29 August 2024 Photo: RNZ Pacific / Lydia Lewis
The Pacific Islands Forum Leaders' Retreat is starting in Vava'u,Tonga today.
Eighteen Pacific leaders and representatives will meet on Vava'u to sign off what they have been discussing throughout the year.
The local people have been up until the early hours of the morning brushing and sweeping the streets and painting fences ahead of the leaders' arrivals.
They told RNZ Pacific last night on Wednesday night that this is a big day for Vava'u to showcase the rich culture they have on offer to the world.
The Pacific Islands Forum Leaders' Retreat is starting in Vava'u, Tonga today. The leaders have landed there this morning. The local people have been up until the early hours of the morning brushing and sweeping the streets and painting fences ahead of the leaders' arrivals. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Lydia Lewis
Mele Vaipulu, the wife of the Tongan deputy prime minister, Samiuela, said this visit is very special.
"It's very important that they're here to recognise some of our weaknesses and some sides of Tonga that we need help at," she said.
"I believe that this Forum is a blessing.
The local people have been up until the early hours of the morning brushing and sweeping the streets and painting fences ahead of the leaders' arrivals. Photo: Lydia Lewis
"I think the Forum will be a very helpful and very pleasing to the Kingdom of Tonga - not only to Tonga, but to the other islands."
She said Vava'u "is the island paradise".
"Today we will get to visit the place that that our first King, Tupou I, dedicated Tonga to God. And of course, we were known as the people of God and and the friendly island."
Mele Vaipulu, the wife of the Tongan deputy prime minister, left. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Lydia Lewis