9 May 2017

Brownlee makes visit toTonga King and leaders

6:00 pm on 9 May 2017

Foreign Minister Gerry Brownlee is travelling to Tonga today to meet Prime Minister Akilisi Pohiva, his ministers and King Tupou VI.

Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee.

Gerry Brownlee Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson

The visit is the first by a New Zealand foreign minister since 2015.

Mr Brownlee just last week took over the role from Murray McCully, who was stepping down ahead of the next election.

Mr Brownlee said he would be discussing New Zealand's assistance to Tonga, including energy, policing, justice and education.

He also planned to meet business leaders and visit New Zealand-funded renewable energy projects.

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