Tonga’s Prime Minister is actively pursuing a diplomatic reset with the United States in light of a travel ban preventing new visitor and student visas for Tongans. Lord Fakafanua has extended an invitation to U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau to visit the Kingdom, expressing that Tonga is facing collateral damage due to changes in U.S. policy. He emphasized that a high-level visit would be beneficial in repairing and enhancing the two nations’ ties.
Following an investment forum that the United States hosted in Hawaii, Lord Fakafanua reciprocated the invitation for Landau to visit Tonga, highlighting the importance of maintaining strong diplomatic relations.
In a symbolic gesture of partnership, Tonga’s Kolofoʻou District has formalized a sister city relationship with East Palo Alto, California. This agreement, celebrated during a virtual ceremony connecting officials from Nuku’alofa and East Palo Alto, aims to fortify cultural, educational, and economic ties between the two communities. Crown Princess Sinaitakala Tukuʻaho, along with East Palo Alto Mayor Webster Lincoln and other officials, endorsed the partnership, which reflects a significant milestone in people-to-people diplomacy.
Chargé d’Affaires Devon Brown from the U.S. Embassy in Tonga highlighted the new initiative’s potential to facilitate cultural and youth exchanges, improve governance collaboration, and address climate resilience and disaster risk management. As the relationship grows, it is anticipated that trade, tourism, and entrepreneurship will also benefit.
This partnership can be traced back to the humanitarian response following the 2022 Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha’apai volcanic eruption and tsunami, where East Palo Alto’s community provided substantial aid to Kolofoʻou District. Sister city arrangements like this one are part of a long-standing tradition of civic diplomacy that aims to foster international friendship through education, cultural events, and municipal cooperation.
Local leaders in both Tonga and East Palo Alto have embraced this agreement as a promising avenue for deeper mutual understanding and future exchanges. Officials are set to develop practical programs under the agreement in the upcoming months, focusing on youth and cultural initiatives that highlight their shared values and histories. This movement reflects not only a hopeful approach to international relations but also the resilience and commitment of communities to support one another during challenging times.