A full Fijian traditional welcome ceremony was accorded to His Majesty King Tupou VI and Her Majesty Queen Nanasipau’u, of the Kingdom of Tonga at State House today (08:07:2025).
The presentation of Tabua (whale’s tooth) to convey the warm welcome to Their Majesties was performed by officials of the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs while the Yaqona Vakaturaga Ceremony was performed by the Vanua O’ Natauvakarua, Kalokolevu, Rewa.
The matapule of the King of Tonga, who holds the title “Motu’apuaka” was also in attendance to convey the King’s responses to the various Tabua presented to welcome him to Fiji.
After the formal presentation of the yaqona to His Majesty, His Excellency Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, President of the Republic of Fiji and Chancellor of the Order of Fiji bestowed the insignia of the Honorary Companion of the Order of Fiji to His Majesty King Tupou VI.
The companion of the Order of Fiji is the highest accolade in the Civil Division of the Order of Fiji established under the Honors and Awards Act 1995.
The appointment as an Honorary Companion to the Order in the General Division is made for eminent achievement and merit of the highest degree for service to Fiji or to humanity at large.
In presenting the special award to King Tupou VI, President Lalabalavu said he wished to honor King Tupou VI for the success of his reign as Tonga’s monarch. He added that the medal was ‘but a small token of our pride in your leadership and achievements.”
“I’m told, Your Majesty, that there’s a sizable number of Fijians now living in Tonga. For them to now make their homes in Tonga Your Majesty, speaks volumes of your leadership and I thank you for looking after them,” said His Excellency.
President Lalabalavu expressed how deeply proud he is of the strong and enduring bond that Fiji and Tonga have shared over the years.
“Over the years, you have looked after not only our community in Tonga, but more importantly, the people of Tonga. The Kingdom has withstood the test of time and is the only remaining Kingdom in the Pacific region. We are indeed proud of our close ties to your Kingdom.”
His Majesty King Tupou VI expressed his heartfelt gratitude to His Excellency Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, Prime Minister Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka and the people of Fiji for the warm welcome and hospitality accorded to him.
“Thank you very much for the State honours and warm welcome bestowed on me and Her Majesty Queen Nanasipau’u today. I hope that our traditions, customs and common history will keep getting stronger as time progresses,” His Majesty King Tupou VI stated.
His Majesty King Tupou VI said that “for me, today’s ceremony is an education to witness how the Vanua presents itself and how the Kava ceremony was conducted.”
As part of His Majesty King Tupou VI and Her Majesty Queen Nanasipau’u’s visit to Fiji, they will attend the installation ceremony for the Turaga na Tui Nayau, Sau ni Vanua ko Lau, and Tui Lau, Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara, on Thursday, 10 July, 2025, in Tubou, Lakeba, Lau before they return to Tonga.
