The United Nations Development Programme has established an office in Tonga for the first time.
The new office was jointly opened by Tonga's prime minister, Lord Tu'ivakano and the United Nations Resident Coordinator, Knut Ostby, on Wednesday.
Lord Tu'ivakano says it's a significant step forward in the development challenges and priorities of the government and the people.
Mr Ostby says the UNDP aims to assist the government to reach the Millennium Development Goals, to strengthen institutions of democratic governance and promote gender equality.
