Media Release

SECRETARY RICE MEETS WITH TONGAN PRIME MINISTER

May 15, 2008

Tongan Prime Minister, Dr. Feleti Sevele meets Secretary Rice.

U.S emphasizes value of strong long-standing relations

The U.S. Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice met yesterday with the Prime Minister of Tonga, Dr. Feleti Sevele and discussed the importance of U.S-Tonga relations.

The Secretary underlined the value the United States places on its strong and long-standing relations with Tonga.

Prime Minister Sevele expressed appreciation for the relationship with the United States.

The Secretary thanked the Prime Minister for Tonga’s support in Iraq and the positive role Tonga’s troops are playing.

Secretary Rice and Prime Minister Sevele also discussed Fiji. Since Tonga is the Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), Prime Minister Sevele confirmed that the PIF expects Fiji to hold elections by March 2009 as promised by Fiji’s Interim Prime Minister.

Prime Minister Sevele also met with officials at the Pentagon, including Deputy Secretary of Defense, Gordon England.

The Secretary last met Prime Minister Sevele in May 2007 during the Pacific Islands Conference of Leaders, held at the State Department, Washington DC.

Note to Editors: see the attached photo (High resolution pictures are available on request).

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