King’s speech of 70 seconds read out

NUKU‘ALOFA – The King of Tonga says he is optimistic that the new government headed by People’s Representatives will continue to steer Tonga into better economic and social growth during its four-year term in office.

Radio Tonga reports that the message was part of His Majesty’s address delivered by the Crown Prince and two nobles during this weeks ceremonial opening of the Legislative Assembly.

In his address, the King acknowledged the efforts made by the former Nobles-led government to build up the economic and social sectors and expressed his hope that the new government would continue that work.

He also congratulated the new prime minister, speaker of the house and his deputy, as well as the new cabinet.

The first sitting of the Legislative Assembly will be on Monday morning.

In a very short opening of the first session of Tonga’s Legislative Assembly following the General Election, King Tupou VI extended his best wishes to members and stated that he hoped that work would continue to develop the country.

Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala accompanied by Lord Vaha’i and Lord Fakafanua delivered the King’s very short speech of just three paragraphs, which took one minute and 10 seconds to read out.

King Tupou VI gave thanks for all the work done in the past four-years and hoped the work would continue to assist in the development of Tonga’s economic and social standing. After the ceremony, the new speaker, Lord Tu’ivakano, delegated a committee of four members to deal with the reply to the address by the King, which included Lord Vaea as chair, Lord Nuku and two newly-elected Peoples’ Representatives, Veivosa Taka and Penisimani Fifita.