Poland in New Zealand

In his speech Ambassador Grzegorz Kowal emphasized the importance of signing diplomatic relations with Tonga, which took place in 2016 in New York. The Polish Ambassador also recalled the historic act of solidarity from 1939, when, upon the news of German aggression against Poland, the Kingdom of Tonga declared war with Germany and, as a result of public fundraising, financed two Spitfires. The ambassador also referred to the first Polish traces on this Polynesian archipelago: "(...) Polish presence in the South Pacific goes much farther back in history with Capitan James Cook who visited the Tongan archipelago twice during his second journey in 1773-1774. He was accompanied by two Polish-born naturalist and ethnologist John Forster and his son George."

While discussing contemporary cooperation, the Ambassador emphasized joint efforts in the fight against the effects of climate change at the UN forum (COP24 was hosted by Poland).

Following the official part of the ceremony, a short conversation was held between King Tupou VI and the newly accredited Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to the Kingdom of Tonga. The potential for the development of bilateral political relations and areas of common interest were discussed. Other issues included foreign relations of the two countries and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on their economies.

Tonga is the only constitutional monarchy in the Pacific. Apart from New Zealand and the Kingdom of Tonga, the Polish Ambassador residing in Wellington is also accredited to Samoa, Tuvalu and Kiribati.