The meeting between UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Tongan Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni centered on ways to strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation across various sectors. According to a report by the Emirates News Agency, the two officials also exchanged views on a range of regional and international issues of mutual interest. Sheikh Abdullah welcomed the prime minister and the accompanying delegation while underscoring the UAE’s commitment to fostering partnerships with Pacific island nations. The discussions took place on the sidelines of the annual UN gathering where global leaders address pressing challenges including sustainable development.
This encounter builds on a series of prior engagements that have steadily deepened ties between the UAE and the Kingdom of Tonga. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that in January 2023 Minister of State Ahmed bin Ali Al Sayegh hosted the Tongan prime minister in Abu Dhabi during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. At that time the officials examined opportunities for collaboration in renewable energy and climate action while highlighting the potential for expanded partnership in sectors vital to environmental sustainability. Those talks set the stage for further concrete steps in the following years.
The two countries signed an agreement on the promotion and protection of investments in December 2023 at COP28 in Dubai according to the Emirates News Agency. Al Sayegh who signed for the UAE stressed the importance of supporting nations vulnerable to climate impacts such as those in the Pacific where rising sea levels pose existential risks. Prime Minister Sovaleni for his part expressed appreciation for the UAE’s leadership in hosting the climate conference and advancing international efforts on the issue.
Cooperation has continued to expand in recent years with a memorandum of understanding signed in September 2026 between the UAE National Centre of Meteorology and Tonga Meteorological Services. The agreement focuses on knowledge exchange technology transfer and capacity building in meteorology and geophysics as detailed in a subsequent WAM dispatch. It aims to improve early warning systems for weather and geophysical hazards that disproportionately affect small island developing states like Tonga.
Several senior UAE officials attended the New York meeting including Minister of State for International Cooperation Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashimy and Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs Lana Zaki Nusseibeh. The Tongan delegation comprised key government figures supporting the prime minister’s visit. The talks aligned with the 79th UN General Assembly’s emphasis on multilateral solutions to climate vulnerability and sustainable growth which both nations have prioritized in their diplomatic agendas.
The UAE has pursued broader outreach to Pacific island countries with a focus on climate resilience and development assistance. World Bank assessments have consistently highlighted how small island nations face acute threats from rising seas and extreme weather events that can undermine economic stability and infrastructure. In response the UAE has channeled support through initiatives launched during its COP28 presidency to aid affected regions with practical adaptation measures and renewable energy projects.
Both sides agreed to maintain momentum from the New York discussions through ongoing high-level coordination. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs has indicated that such meetings help identify specific areas where joint projects can deliver tangible benefits. Follow-up actions are expected to target sectors ranging from climate adaptation to economic collaboration in the coming period.
