View source for Foreign relations of Tonga

{{short description|none}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2022}}
{{Politics of Tonga}}

[[Tonga]], by a modification of its treaty of friendship with the United Kingdom in July 1970, is responsible for its own external affairs. It maintains cordial relations with most countries and has close relations with its Pacific neighbours and the United Kingdom. In 1998, it recognized the People's Republic of China and broke relations with [[Republic of China|Taiwan]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/204544.stm |title=Tonga breaks relations with Taiwan |publisher=BBC |date=30 October 1998 |access-date=10 June 2008}}</ref>

== Diplomatic relations ==
List of countries which Tonga maintains diplomatic relations with:
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! colspan="3" |[[File:Diplomatic relations of Tonga.svg|frameless|425x425px]]
|-
!#
!Country 
!Date<ref>{{Cite web |title=Diplomatic relations between Tonga and ... |url=https://digitallibrary.un.org/search?ln=en&as=1&m1=p&p1=Diplomatic+relations+between+Tonga+and+...&f1=series&op1=a&m2=a&p2=&f2=&op2=a&m3=a&p3=&f3=&dt=&d1d=&d1m=&d1y=&d2d=&d2m=&d2y=&rm=&ln=en&action_search=Search&sf=title&so=a&rg=50&c=United+Nations+Digital+Library+System&of=hb&fti=0&fti=0 |access-date=27 November 2021}}</ref>
|-
|1
|{{Flag|Kiribati}}
|No date given
|-
|2
|{{Flag|Tuvalu}}
|No date given
|-
|3
|{{Flag|Nauru}}
|No date given<ref>{{cite web|title=List of Establishment of Diplomatic Relations Between the Republic of Nauru and Other Countries|url=http://www.un.int/nauru/foreignaffairs.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141004083335/http://www.un.int/nauru/foreignaffairs.html|archive-date=4 October 2014|access-date=19 August 2018}}</ref>
|-
|4
|{{Flag|Samoa}}
|No date given<ref>{{cite news|date=7 October 2009|title=His Majesty's Government reaches out to neighbouring Samoas|url=https://reliefweb.int/report/tonga/his-majestys-government-reaches-out-neighbouring-samoas|access-date=19 August 2018}}</ref>
|-
|5
|{{Flag|New Zealand}}
|{{Dts|4 June 1970}}<ref>{{Cite web|date=5 February 2020|title=NEW ZEALAND CELEBRATES ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF DIPLOMATIC TIES WITH TONGA|url=http://www.tonga-broadcasting.net/?p=17229|access-date=27 November 2021}}</ref>
|-
|6
|{{Flag|United Kingdom}}
|{{Dts|4 June 1970}}<ref>{{Cite book|title=A Year Book of the Commonwealth 1971|publisher=H.M. Stationery Office|pages=377}}</ref>
|-
|7
|{{Flag|Japan}}
|{{Dts|July 1970}}<ref>{{Cite web|title=Japan-Tonga relations|url=https://www.mofa.go.jp/region/asia-paci/tonga/data.html|access-date=27 November 2021}}</ref>
|-
|8
|{{Flag|South Korea}}
|{{Dts|11 September 1970}}<ref>{{Cite web|title=Tonga|url=https://www.mofa.go.kr/eng/nation/m_4902/view.do?seq=35|access-date=27 November 2021}}</ref>
|-
|9
|{{Flag|Australia}}
|{{Dts|3 December 1970}}<ref>{{Cite book|title=Echoes of Pacific War|year=1998|isbn=9780646360003|pages=65 |last1=Scarr |first1=Deryck |last2=Gunson |first2=Niel |last3=Terrell |first3=Jennifer |publisher=Target Oceania }}</ref>
|-
|10
|{{Flag|India}}
|{{Dts|23 December 1970}}<ref>{{Cite book|title=Report of the Prime Minister for the Year...|publisher=Tongan government|year=1970|pages=7}}</ref>
|-
|11
|{{Flag|Canada}}
|{{Dts|11 June 1971}}<ref>{{Cite web|title=A Guide to Canadian Diplomatic Relations 1925–2019|url=https://www.cgai.ca/a_guide_to_canadian_diplomatic_relations_1925_2019|access-date=27 November 2021}}</ref>
|-
|12
|{{Flag|France}}
|{{Dts|16 July 1971}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Liste Chronologique des Ambassadeurs, Envoyés Extraordinaires, Ministres Plénipotentiaires et Chargés D'Affaires de France à L'Étranger Depuis 1945 |url=https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/IMG/pdf/maep0035-0120_cle8a5377.pdf  |language=fr |page=104}}</ref>
|-
|13
|{{Flag|Belgium}}
|{{Dts|16 August 1971}}<ref>{{Cite book|title=Belgisch staatsblad (230–252)|publisher=Belgium|year=1971|pages=15301|language=fr, nl}}</ref>
|-
|14
|{{Flag|United States}}
|{{Dts|6 November 1972}}<ref>{{Cite web|title=A Guide to the United States' History of Recognition, Diplomatic, and Consular Relations, by Country, since 1776: Tonga|url=https://history.state.gov/countries/tonga|access-date=28 November 2021|website=Office of the Historian}}</ref>
|-
|15
|{{Flag|Sweden}}
|{{Dts|21 January 1974}}<ref>{{Cite book|title=Register över Sveriges internationella överenskommelser|publisher=Utrikesdepartementet|isbn=9789138313893|pages=61|language=sv}}</ref>
|-
|16
|{{Flag|Russia}}
|{{Dts|2 October 1975}}<ref>{{Cite web|title=Russia-Tonga relations|url=https://www.mid.ru/en/maps/to|access-date=27 November 2021}}</ref>
|-
|17
|{{Flag|Netherlands}}
|{{Dts|4 November 1975}}<ref>{{Cite book |title=Jaarboek van het Departement van Buitenlandse Zaken |publisher=Netherlands, Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken |year=1975–1976 |language=nl |quote=Op 4 november 1975 vond te Nuku'alofa de feestelijke herdenking plaats van het honderdjarig bestaan van de Grondwet van... In de verslagperiode werd besloten tot de vestiging van diplomatieke betrekkingen op Ambassadeursniveau...}}</ref>
|-
|18
|{{Flag|Turkey}}
|{{dts|26 January 1976}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Relations between Turkey and Tonga |url=https://www.mfa.gov.tr/relations-between-turkey-and-the-kingdom-of-tonga.en.mfa |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160722071924/https://www.mfa.gov.tr/relations-between-turkey-and-the-kingdom-of-tonga.en.mfa |archive-date=22 July 2016 |access-date=27 November 2021}}</ref>
|-
|19
|{{Flag|Luxembourg}}
|{{Dts|1 November 1976}}<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://sip.gouvernement.lu/dam-assets/publications/bulletin/1976/BID_1976_8/BID_1976_8.pdf|title=Bulletin de documentation Novembre Decembre 1976|year=1977|pages=41|language=fr}}</ref>
|-
|20
|{{Flag|Israel}}
|{{Dts|June 1977}}<ref>{{Cite web|title=Israel's Diplomatic Missions Abroad: Status of relations|url=https://mfa.gov.il/mfa/abouttheministry/pages/israel-s%20diplomatic%20missions%20abroad.aspx|access-date=27 November 2021}}</ref>
|-
|21
|{{Flag|Germany}}
|{{Dts|2 January 1978}}<ref>{{Cite web|title=Germany and Tonga: Bilateral relations|url=https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/aussenpolitik/laenderinformationen/tonga-node/tonga/235660|access-date=27 November 2021}}</ref>
|-
|22
|{{Flag|Libya}}
|{{Dts|16 March 1978}}<ref>{{Cite book|title=Daily Report: Middle East & North Africa. Index|publisher=United States Foreign Broadcast Information Service|year=1978|pages=65}}</ref>
|-
|23
|{{Flag|Chile}}
|{{Dts|1 October 1979}}<ref>{{Cite web|title=RELACIONES DIPLOMATICAS DE CHILE CON LOS PAISES DE LA CUENCA DEL PACIFICO|url=https://archivospublicos.uahurtado.cl/uploads/r/archivo-institucional-universidad-alberto-hurtado/1/1/9/119a982db9b66f569a5d546b86f31a59dcb53b2815c3e28f774ad8bab7704d3c/31-2-12.pdf|access-date=27 November 2021|language=es}}</ref>
|-
|24
|{{Flag|Spain}}
|{{Dts|16 November 1979}}<ref>{{Cite web|title=Reino de Tonga|url=http://www.exteriores.gob.es/documents/fichaspais/tonga_ficha%20pais.pdf|page=3|language=es}}</ref>
|-
|25
|{{Flag|Solomon Islands}}
|{{Dts|7 July 1980}}<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|title=Briefing Notes for Minister of Foreign Affairs, The Rt. Honourable Sir Peter Kenilorea|publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Solomon Islands|year=1988|pages=32}}</ref>
|-
|26
|{{Flag|Vanuatu}}
|{{Dts|30 July 1980}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Vanuatu Diplomatic Relations |url=https://mfaicet.gov.vu/images/documents/VANUATU_NATIONAL_FOREIGN_POLICY.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240925183844/https://mfaicet.gov.vu/images/documents/VANUATU_NATIONAL_FOREIGN_POLICY.pdf |archive-date=25 September 2024 |access-date=27 October 2024 |website=mfaicet.gov.vu |pages=49}}</ref>
|-
|27
|{{Flag|Fiji}}
|{{Dts|1980}}<ref>{{Cite book |title=The Europa year book 1980 : a world survey Volume 2 |publisher=Europa Publications Limited |year=1980 |pages=326}}</ref>
|-
|28
|{{Flag|Philippines}}
|{{Dts|1 July 1981}}<ref>{{Cite web |date=1 July 2021 |title=The Republic of the Philippines and the Kingdom of Tonga celebrate 40 years of formal diplomatic relations today, July 1! |url=https://twitter.com/DFAPHL/status/1410583082663518208 |access-date=27 November 2021}}</ref>
|-
|29
|{{Flag|Italy}}
|{{Dts|26 November 1981}}<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 2009 |title=Archivio storico della Presidenza della Repubblica - Ufficio per gli affari diplomatici (1955-1999) |url=https://archivio.quirinale.it/materiali-pubblicazioni/inventari/Ufficio-per-gli-Affari-Diplomatici.pdf |access-date=2 October 2023 |page=373 |language=it}}</ref>
|-
|30
|{{Flag|Papua New Guinea}}
|{{Dts|August 1982}}<ref>{{Cite book |title=Hiri - Issue 2; Issues 4-8 |publisher=Papua New Guinea Office of Information |year=1982 |pages=3}}</ref>
|-
|31
|{{Flag|Malaysia}}
|{{dts|9 September 1982}}<ref>{{Cite book |title=Foreign Affairs Malaysia, 15, (3) |date=1982 |pages=243}}</ref>
|-
|32
|{{Flag|Sri Lanka}}
|{{Dts|10 January 1984}}<ref>{{Cite book |title=Summary of World Broadcasts: Far East |publisher=[[BBC]] |year=1984 |volume=3 |pages=A-9}}</ref>
|-
|33
|{{Flag|Peru}}
|{{Dts|20 January 1984}}<ref>{{Cite book |title=Latin America Report |publisher=Executive Office of the President], Federal Broadcast Information Service, Joint Publications Research Service |year=1984 |pages=97}}</ref>
|-
|34
|{{Flag|Greece}}
|{{Dts|5 July 1985}}<ref name=":1">{{Cite book |title=Report of the Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Year... |publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Tonga |year=1985 |pages=4}}</ref>
|-
|35
|{{Flag|Switzerland}}
|{{Dts|13 September 1985}}<ref name=":1" />
|-
|36
|{{Flag|Denmark}}
|{{dts|31 October 1985}}<ref>{{Cite book |title=Report of the Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Year... |publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Tonga |year=1985 |pages=6}}</ref>
|-
|37
|{{Flag|Norway}}
|{{Dts|30 August 1988}}<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 April 1999 |title=Norges opprettelse af diplomatiske forbindelser med fremmede stater |url=https://www.regjeringen.no/globalassets/departementene/ud/vedlegg/protokoll/diplomatiske_forbindelser.pdf |access-date=18 October 2021 |website=regjeringen.no |language=no}}</ref>
|-
|38
|{{Flag|Federated States of Micronesia}}
|{{Dts|1 August 1989}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Countries With Which the Federated States of Micronesia Has Established Diplomatic Relations |url=https://www.fsmgov.org/diprel.html |access-date=27 November 2021}}</ref>
|-
|39
|{{Flag|Maldives}}
|{{Dts|1 August 1989}}<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 March 2021 |title=Countries with which the Republic of Maldives has established Diplomatic Relations |url=https://www.gov.mv/en/files/dpl-full-country-list-as-of-30-march-2021.pdf |access-date=2 April 2021 |website=Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Maldives |archive-date=16 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516123320/https://www.gov.mv/en/files/dpl-full-country-list-as-of-30-march-2021.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|-
|40
|{{Flag|Brunei}}
|{{Dts|1 May 1990}}<ref>{{Cite book |title=Summary of World Broadcasts: The Far East. Part III - Page 1-7 |publisher=Monitoring Service of the British Broadcasting Corporation |year=1990}}</ref>
|-
|41
|{{Flag|Pakistan}}
|Before 1991<ref>{{Cite book |title=Report of the Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Year ... |publisher=Tonga. Ministry of Foreign Affairs |year=1991 |pages=57 |quote=Pakistan ( High Commission, Canberra )}}</ref>
|-
|42
|{{Flag|Singapore}}
|{{Dts|6 August 1993}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Diplomatic & consular list |url=ftp://ifs.campus.du.edu/Client/Diplomatic/Diplomatic%20Services/Diplomatic%20Lists/2015%20Singapore.pdf |access-date=5 January 2021 |website=Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Singapore |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805103711/ftp://ifs.campus.du.edu/Client/Diplomatic/Diplomatic%20Services/Diplomatic%20Lists/2015%20Singapore.pdf |archive-date=2020-08-05 |url-status=dead |page=222}}</ref>
|-
|43
|{{Flag|Finland}}
|{{Dts|1 December 1993}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Finland and Tonga |url=https://finlandabroad.fi/web/ton/finland-and-tonga |access-date=27 November 2021}}</ref>
|-
|44
|{{Flag|Thailand}}
|{{Dts|27 January 1994}}<ref>{{Cite web |date=9 June 2006 |title=ตองกา…ประเทศในหมู่เกาะแปซิฟิก : ก้าวสำคัญสู่สัมพันธ์ที่ใกล้ชิดกับไทย |url=https://positioningmag.com/29259 |access-date=27 November 2021 |language=th}}</ref>
|-
|45
|{{Flag|Indonesia}}
|{{Dts|30 May 1994}}<ref>{{Cite book |title=Summary of World Broadcasts: Asia, Pacific 3 |publisher=BBC |year=1994 |pages=5}}</ref>
|-
|–
|{{Flag|Holy See}}
|{{Dts|24 August 1994}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Diplomatic Relations Of The Holy See |url=https://holyseemission.org/contents/mission/diplomatic-relations-of-the-holy-see.php |access-date=27 November 2021}}</ref>
|-
|46
|{{Flag|Morocco}}
|{{Dts|16 January 1995}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fiche sur les relations bilaterales entre le Maroc et le Tonga |url=https://www.calameo.com/read/0050681867016aeddea6a |access-date=22 November 2023 |language=fr}}</ref>
|-
|47
|{{Flag|Slovenia}}
|{{Dts|7 December 1995}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Priznanja in diplomatski odnosi |url=http://www.mzz.gov.si/fileadmin/pageuploads/Mednarodno_pravo/Priznanja_in_diplomatski_odnosi.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190325155432/http://www.mzz.gov.si/fileadmin/pageuploads/Mednarodno_pravo/Priznanja_in_diplomatski_odnosi.pdf |archive-date=25 March 2019 |access-date=26 August 2019 |website=Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Slovenia |language=sl}}</ref>
|-
|48
|{{Flag|China}}
|{{Dts|2 November 1998}}<ref>{{Cite web |date=2 November 2018 |title=Ambassador Wang Baodong Published Signed Article on the 20th Anniversary of China-Tonga Diplomatic Relations |url=https://www.mfa.gov.cn/ce/ceto//eng/zt/CCTDT/t1610024.htm }}</ref>
|-
|49
|{{Flag|South Africa}}
|{{Dts|1 September 1999}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tonga (Kingdom of) |url=http://www.dirco.gov.za/foreign/bilateral/tonga.html |access-date=27 November 2021}}</ref>
|-
|50
|{{Flag|Mongolia}}
|{{Dts|4 April 2001}}
|-
|51
|{{Flag|Seychelles}}
|{{Dts|12 July 2002}}
|-
|52
|{{Flag|Cuba}}
|{{Dts|15 July 2002}}<ref>{{Cite book |title=Report of the Prime Minister for the Year ... |publisher=Tonga |year=2002 |pages=31}}</ref>
|-
|53
|{{Flag|Timor-Leste}}
|{{Dts|26 November 2002}}
|-
|54
|{{Flag|Eswatini}}
|{{Dts|22 May 2003}}
|-
|55
|{{Flag|Malta}}
|{{Dts|3 May 2007}}
|-
|56
|{{Flag|Venezuela}}
|{{Dts|9 May 2007}}<ref>{{Cite news |date=5 September 2017 |title=Tonga, Venezuela establish diplomatic relations |work=Pacific Islands Report |url=http://www.pireport.org/articles/2007/05/09/tonga-venezuela-establish-diplomatic-ties |access-date=27 November 2021 |archive-date=27 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127123116/http://www.pireport.org/articles/2007/05/09/tonga-venezuela-establish-diplomatic-ties |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|-
|57
|{{Flag|United Arab Emirates}}
|{{Dts|13 July 2007}}
|-
|58
|{{Flag|Czech Republic}}
|{{Dts|19 September 2007}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Report 2007 |url=https://www.mzv.cz/file/414987/Report_2007.pdf |page=395}}</ref>
|-
|59
|{{Flag|Iceland}}
|{{Dts|14 December 2007}}
|-
|60
|{{Flag|Mexico}}
|{{Dts|26 September 2008}}
|-
|61
|{{Flag|Portugal}}
|{{Dts|26 November 2008}}
|-
|62
|{{Flag|Cyprus}}
|{{Dts|22 June 2009}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=12 years from the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of Tonga and the Republic of Cyprus |date=22 June 2021 |url=https://www.consulatekot.eu/post/12-years-from-the-establishment-of-diplomatic-relations-between-the-kingdom-of-tonga-and-the-republi |access-date=12 November 2021}}</ref>
|-
|63
|{{Flag|Hungary}}
|{{Dts|23 September 2011}}
|-
|64
|{{Flag|Brazil}}
|{{Dts|21 December 2011}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Política Externa Brasileira – discursos, artigos e entrevistas |url=http://funag.gov.br/loja/download/1080-Politica-externa-brasileira.pdf |access-date=27 November 2021 |page=41 |language=pt}}</ref>
|-
|65
|{{Flag|Serbia}}
|{{Dts|22 February 2013}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tonga |url=http://www.mfa.gov.rs/en/foreign-policy/bilateral-issues/96-bilateral-issues/12377-tonga |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170507163135/http://www.mfa.gov.rs/en/foreign-policy/bilateral-issues/96-bilateral-issues/12377-tonga |archive-date=7 May 2017 |access-date=27 November 2021}}</ref>
|-
|–
|{{Flag|Cook Islands}}
|{{Dts|18 November 2014}}<ref>{{cite web |date=20 November 2014 |title=Diplomatic relations with all Pacific Island Forum members complete |url=http://www.cookislandsnews.com/national/politics/item/49268-diplomatic-relations-with-all-pacific-island-forum-members-complete |access-date=9 October 2015 |website=Cook Islands News}}</ref>
|-
|66
|{{Flag|Georgia}}
|{{Dts|18 February 2015}}
|-
|67
|{{Flag|Estonia}}
|{{Dts|12 March 2015}}
|-
|68
|{{Flag|Kazakhstan}}
|{{Dts|17 March 2015}}
|-
|69
|{{Flag|Poland}}
|{{Dts|29 August 2016}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tonga |url=https://www.gov.pl/web/newzealand/bilateral-relations-tonga |access-date=27 November 2021}}</ref>
|-
|70
|{{Flag|Latvia}}
|{{Dts|28 October 2020}}
|-
|71
|{{Flag|Saudi Arabia}}
|{{Dts|14 December 2020}}
|-
|72
|{{Flag|Ireland}}
|{{Dts|27 July 2021}}<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 July 2021 |title=Amb @AdrianGONeill was delighted to welcome H.E. The Hon. Titilupe Fanetupouvava'u Tu'ivakano of the Kingdom of Tonga to the Embassy to sign a note formalising the establishment of diplomatic relations – signifying the strong ties of friendship between our two island nations |url=https://twitter.com/IrelandEmbGB/status/1420024212891308033 |access-date=27 July 2021 |via=Twitter}}</ref>
|-
|73
|{{Flag|Kuwait}}
|{{Dts|2 September 2021}}
|-
|74
|{{Flag|Bahrain}}
|{{Dts|19 September 2022}}
|-
|75
|{{Flag|Marshall Islands}}
|{{Dts|21 September 2022}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://matangitonga.to/2022/09/26/tonga-establishes-diplomatic-relations-marshall-islands |title=Tonga establishes diplomatic relations with Marshall Islands |publisher=Matangi Tonga |date=26 September 2022 |access-date=27 September 2022}}</ref>
|-
|76
|{{Flag|Kyrgyzstan}}
|{{Dts|7 December 2022}}
|-
|77
|{{Flag|Bosnia and Herzegovina}}
|{{Dts|9 February 2023}}
|-
|78
|{{Flag|Tajikistan}}
|{{Dts|10 February 2023}}
|-
|79
|{{Flag|Rwanda}}
|{{Dts|22 March 2023}}
|-
|80
|{{Flag|Romania}}
|{{Dts|10 April 2023}}
|-
|81
|{{flag|Vietnam}}
|{{dts|21 September 2023}}<ref>{{Cite news |date=21 September 2023 |title=Vietnam and Tonga established diplomatic relations |url=https://english.vov.vn/en/politics/diplomacy/vietnam-and-tonga-established-diplomatic-relations-post1047598.vov |access-date=22 September 2023}}</ref>
|-
|82
|{{Flag|Austria}}
|{{Dts|16 February 2024}}<ref>{{Cite news |date=1 February 2024 |title=Tonga and Austria establishing diplomatic relations |url=https://matangitonga.to/2024/02/01/tonga-and-austria-establishing-diplomatic-relations |access-date=1 January 2025 |work=Matangi Tonga Online}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=16 April 2024 |title=Presentation of letter of credence of the Austrian Ambassador Elisabeth Koegler to His Majesty King Tupou VI of the Kingdom of Tonga and meeting with Acting Prime Minister Hon. Samiu Vaipulu |url=https://www.bmeia.gv.at/en/austrian-embassy-canberra/events/detail/ueberreichung-des-beglaubigungsschreibens-der-botschafterin-elisabeth-koegler-an-seine-majestaet-koenig-tupou-vi-des-koenigreichs-tonga-und-treffen-mit-dem-amtierenden-premierminister-hon-samiu-vaipulu |access-date=1 January 2025}}</ref>
|-
|83
|{{Flag|Qatar}}
|{{dts|16 February 2024}}
|-
|84
|{{Flag|Nicaragua}}
|{{Dts|28 February 2024}}
|-
|85
|{{Flag|Dominican Republic}}
|{{Dts|29 February 2024}}
|-
|86
|{{Flag|Nepal}}
|{{DTS|1 March 2024}}
|-
|87
|{{Flag|Oman}}
|{{Dts|14 March 2024}}
|-
|88
|{{Flag|Uruguay}}
|{{Dts|14 March 2024}}
|-
|89
|{{Flag|Uganda}}
|{{Dts|15 April 2024}}<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 April 2024 |title=H.E Dorothy Samali Hyuha presents credentials to his Majesty the King of Tonga, at the royal palace of the Kingdom of Tonga, 15th April 2024 |url=https://canberra.mofa.go.ug/media/he-dorothy-samali-hyuha-presents-credentials-his-majesty-king-tonga-royal-palace-kingdom-tonga |access-date=20 June 2024 |website=The High Commission of the Republic of Uganda Canbera - Australia}}</ref>
|-
|—
|{{Flag|Kosovo}}
|{{Date table sorting|17 April 2024}}<ref>{{Cite news |date=17 April 2024 |title=Facebook post |url=https://www.facebook.com/KosovoinAustralia/posts/pfbid0kQTBduYY1m6KNbvBZgrD9gutqFrCUV28QhVVRGTCZcahJ7P1paUnbn5vzUUrj7fMl |access-date=19 June 2024}}</ref>
|-
|90
|{{Flag|Lithuania}}
|{{Dts|23 September 2024}}
|-
|91
|{{Flag|Dominica}}
|{{Dts|25 October 2024}}<ref>{{Cite news |date=25 October 2024 |title=Tonga and Dominica establish diplomatic relations |url=https://talanoaotonga.to/tonga-and-dominica-establish-diplomatic-relations/ |access-date=25 October 2024}}</ref>
|-
|92
|{{Flag|San Marino}}
|{{Dts|25 February 2025}}<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 March 2025 |title=Tonga establishes diplomatic ties with San Marino |url=https://matangitonga.to/2025/03/03/tonga-establishes-diplomatic-ties-san-marino |access-date=3 March 2025 |website=matangitonga.to}}</ref>
|}

==Regional relations==

Tonga maintains strong regional ties in the Pacific. It is a full member of the [[Pacific Islands Forum]], the [[South Pacific Applied Geoscience Commission]], the [[South Pacific Tourism Organisation]], the [[Pacific Regional Environment Programme]] and the [[Secretariat of the Pacific Community]].  Tonga endorsed the [[Treaty of Rarotonga]] (the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty) in 1996.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.forumsec.org/resources/uploads/attachments/documents/SPNFZ%20Status%20Report.pdf |title=SOUTH PACIFIC NUCLEAR FREE ZONE TREATY  |publisher=Pacific Islands Forum |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304084144/http://www.forumsec.org/resources/uploads/attachments/documents/SPNFZ%20Status%20Report.pdf |archive-date=4 March 2016 }}</ref>

Tonga is, however, notably not one of the eight signatories of the [[Nauru Agreement Concerning Cooperation in the Management of Fisheries of Common Interest]] which collectively controls 25–30% of the world's tuna supply and approximately 60% of the western and central Pacific tuna supply.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://klima-tuvalu.no/2011/04/13/pacific-islands-fighting-for-their-tuna/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110819123129/http://klima-tuvalu.no/2011/04/13/pacific-islands-fighting-for-their-tuna/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=19 August 2011 |title=Pacific islands fighting for their tuna &#124; Klima-Tuvalu |date=19 August 2011 |access-date=15 January 2020}}</ref>

Since November 2011, Tonga has been one of the eight founding members of [[Polynesian Leaders Group]], a regional grouping intended to cooperate on a variety of issues including culture and language, education, responses to climate change, and trade and investment.<ref name="scoop">{{cite news|last1=Andrews|first1=John|title=NZ may be invited to join proposed 'Polynesian Triangle' ginger group|url=http://pacific.scoop.co.nz/2011/09/nz-may-be-invited-to-join-proposed-polynesian-triangle-ginger-group/|access-date=20 November 2011|agency=Pacific Scoop News|publisher=Scoop News|date=19 September 2011}}</ref><ref name="RNZI">{{cite news|title=New Polynesian Leaders Group formed in Samoa|url=http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/200981/new-polynesian-leaders-group-formed-in-samoa|access-date=20 November 2011|agency=Radio New Zealand|date=19 November 2011}}</ref><ref name="Savali">{{cite news |title=American Samoa joins Polynesian Leaders Group, MOU signed |url=https://www.samoanews.com/american-samoa-joins-poly-leaders-group-mou-signed |access-date=30 July 2020 |work=Samoa News |agency=Savalii |date=20 November 2011}}</ref>

==Extra-regional relations==

Tonga was admitted to full membership of the [[Commonwealth of Nations]] in 1970, upon regaining its independence from British protection.

Since it has always had its own monarch, its position in the Commonwealth was rather unusual.

Tonga is an independent native [[Commonwealth monarchy]] like [[Brunei]], [[Lesotho]], [[Malaysia]], and [[Swaziland]].
 
Tonga was admitted to the United Nations in 1999.

Additionally outside the region, Tonga is a member or participant of the [[ACP (Lomé Convention)|ACP]], [[Asian Development Bank]], [[Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific]] (ESCAP), the [[Food and Agriculture Organization]] (FAO), the [[Group of 77|G-77]], the [[International Bank for Reconstruction and Development]], the [[International Civil Aviation Organization]], the [[International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement]], the [[International Development Association]], the [[International Finance Corporation]], [[International Hydrographic Organization]], the [[International Monetary Fund|IMF]], the [[International Maritime Organization]], [[Interpol (organization)|Interpol]], the [[International Olympic Committee]], the [[International Telecommunication Union|ITU]], the [[Non-Aligned Movement|NAM]], the [[Universal Postal Union|UPU]], the [[World Meteorological Organization]] and the [[World Trade Organization]].

==Bilateral relations==

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%; margin:auto;"
|-
! style="width:15%;"| Country
! style="width:12%;"| Formal Relations Began
!Notes
|- valign="top"
|{{flag|Australia}}||4 June 1970||See [[Australia–Tonga relations]]

* Australia has a high commission in [[Nukuʻalofa]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tonga.embassy.gov.au |title=Australian High Commission in Tonga |publisher=Tonga.embassy.gov.au |access-date=15 January 2020}}</ref>
* Tonga has a high commission in [[Canberra]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tongahighcom.com.au |title=Tongan High Commission in Australia |publisher=Tongahighcom.com.au |date=9 September 2015 |access-date=15 January 2020}}</ref>
|- valign="top"
|{{flag|Brazil}}||21 December 2011||

* Brazil is accredited to Tonga from its embassy in Wellington, New Zealand.
* Tonga does not have an accreditation to Brazil.
|- valign="top"
|{{flag|Canada}}||11 June 1971||

* Canada is accredited to Tonga from its High Commission in Wellington, New Zealand.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/new_zealand-nouvelle_zelande/index.aspx?lang=eng |title=Canadian High Commission in New Zealand |publisher=Canadainternational.gc.ca |access-date=15 January 2020}}</ref>
* Tonga is accredited to Canada from its Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York City.<ref name=UN>{{cite web|url=https://www.un.int/tonga/ |title=Tongan Permanent Mission to the United Nations |publisher=United Nations |access-date=15 January 2020}}</ref>
|- valign="top"
|{{flag|China}}||2 November 1998||See [[China–Tonga relations]]

The Kingdom of Tonga and the People's Republic of China (PRC) established official diplomatic relations in 1998. The two countries maintain cordial diplomatic, economic and military relations. 
* China has an embassy in Nukuʻalofa.
* Tonga has an embassy in Beijing.
|- valign="top"
|{{flag|Fiji}}||<!--Date started-->||See [[Fiji–Tonga relations]]

These neighbouring countries in the South Pacific have a history of bilateral relations going back several centuries.

Fiji's Prime Minister [[Frank Bainimarama|Voreqe Bainimarama]] received "cheers and thunderous applause" from the Tongan public when he attended a [[Pacific Islands Forum]] meeting in Tonga in October 2007; the crowd's "enthusiastic reception" of Fiji's leader was likened to "that accorded to a rock star".<ref>[http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=72451 "Voreqe no 'leper'"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080920115658/http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=72451 |date=20 September 2008 }}, Maria Burese, ''Fiji Times'', 17 October 2007.</ref> [[Radio Australia]] noted that he had been "the star of this year's meeting, for the people of Tonga",<ref>[http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/programguide/stories/200710/s2063340.htm "TONGA: Questions over Fiji election commitment"], ABC Radio Australia, 18 October 2007.</ref> while [[TVNZ]] reported that he had been "given a hero's welcome".<ref name="tvnz">{{cite web |url=http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/425825/1404976 |title=Clark snubbed, Bainimarama welcomed |date=16 October 2007 |work=[[Television New Zealand]] |access-date=30 September 2011}}</ref>

In terms of inter-governmental relations, Tonga has generally avoided pressuring Fiji's "interim government" into holding democratic elections. However, Tongan Prime Minister Dr. [[Feleti Sevele]] has urged Bainimarama "to produce a credible roadmap to the election according to the [[1997 Constitution of Fiji|Constitution]] and law of Fiji".<ref>[http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=72501 "Bainimarama vows army will abide by results of 2009 election"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071018001933/http://fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=72501 |date=18 October 2007 }}, ''Fiji Times'', 17 October 2007.</ref>
|- valign="top"
|{{flag|Germany}}||1 May 1976||

* Germany is accredited to Tonga from its embassy in Wellington, New Zealand and maintains an honorary consulate in Nukuʻalofa.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://wellington.diplo.de/nz-en/botschaft/honorarkonsuln?openAccordionId=item-1774768-5-panel |title=Honorary Consuls – Federal Foreign Office |publisher=Wellington.diplo.de |access-date=15 January 2020}}</ref>
* Tonga is accredited to Germany from its high commission in London, United Kingdom.
|- valign="top"
|{{flag|Greece}}||<!--Date started-->1984||

* Diplomatic relations were established in 1984.<ref name="mfa.gr">{{cite web|url=http://www.mfa.gr/en/blog/greece-bilateral-relations/tonga/ |title=Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Greece |publisher=Mfa.gr |access-date=15 January 2020}}</ref>
* Greece is accredited to Tonga from its embassy in Wellington, New Zealand.<ref name="mfa.gr"/>
* Tonga does not have an accreditation to Greece.
|- valign="top"
|{{flag|India}}||23 December 1970||See [[India–Tonga relations]]

* India is accredited to Tonga from its high commission in Suva, Fiji.
* Tonga does not have an accreditation to India.
|- valign="top"
|{{flag|Japan}}||July 1970||

* Japan has an embassy in Nukuʻalofa.
* Tonga has an embassy in Tokyo.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tongaembassy.jp |title=Tonga Embassy in Japan |publisher=Tongaembassy.jp |date=31 January 2019 |access-date=15 January 2020}}</ref>
|- valign="top"
|{{flag|Latvia}}||28 October 2020||

* Tonga and [[Latvia]] established diplomatic relations in 2020. On 28 October 2020, Tongan and Latvian Ambassadors to the United Nations signed a joint communiqué formalising the bilateral relations and expressed satisfaction over strengthening of ties between the two countries.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mfa.gov.lv/aktualitates/zinas/66873-latvija-izveido-diplomatiskas-attiecibas-ar-tongu |title=Latvia Establishes Diplomatic Relations with Tonga |publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia |date=29 October 2020 |access-date=29 October 2020}}</ref>
* Both countries see opportunities for cooperation in tackling climate change, development cooperation, economics, and cooperation in various multilateral formats, especially in the light of the prospective Latvian non-permanent membership of the [[United Nations Security Council]] in 2026–2027.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mfa.gov.lv/arpolitika/starptautiskas-organizacijas/latvija-apvienoto-naciju-organizacija/latvijas-kandidaturas |title=Latvia's Candidacies |publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia |date=17 September 2020 |access-date=29 October 2020}}</ref>
* In October 2024, the Speaker of the Tongan Parliament [[Fatafehi Fakafanua]] expressed support for Latvia's nomination to join the [[United Nations Security Council]] in June 2025.<ref name="Latvian Parliament 24 Oct 2025">{{cite web |title=Speaker of the Saeima Daiga Mieriņa welcomes the Speakers of the Parliaments of Albania, Croatia, Cyprus, Portugal, and Tonga, emphasising support for Ukraine |url=https://www.saeima.lv/en/news/saeima-news/34012-speaker-of-the-saeima-daiga-mierina-welcomes-the-speakers-of-the-parliaments-of-albania-croatia-cyprus-portugal-and-tonga-emphasising-support-for-ukraine |publisher=[[Saiema]] |access-date=6 May 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241212211707/https://www.saeima.lv/en/news/saeima-news/34012-speaker-of-the-saeima-daiga-mierina-welcomes-the-speakers-of-the-parliaments-of-albania-croatia-cyprus-portugal-and-tonga-emphasising-support-for-ukraine |archive-date=12 December 2024 |date=24 October 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref>

|- valign="top"
|{{flag|Mexico}}||6 September 2008||

* Mexico is accredited to Tonga from its embassy in Wellington, New Zealand.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://embamex.sre.gob.mx/nuevazelandia/ |title=Embassy of Mexico in New Zealand (in English and Spanish) |publisher=Embamex.sre.gob.mx |access-date=15 January 2020}}</ref>
* Tonga is accredited to Mexico from its Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York City.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.un.int/tonga/ |title=Permanent Mission of Tonga to the United Nations |publisher=United Nations |access-date=15 January 2020}}</ref>
|- valign="top"
|{{flag|New Zealand}}||4 June 1970||See [[New Zealand–Tonga relations]]

* New Zealand has a high commission in Nukuʻalofa.<ref>[https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/countries-and-regions/pacific/tonga/new-zealand-high-commission/ High Commission of New Zealand in Nukuʻalofa]</ref>
* Tonga has a consulate-general in [[Auckland]].<ref>[https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/countries-and-regions/pacific/tonga/consulate-of-the-kingdom-of-tonga/ Consulate-General of Tonga in Auckland]</ref>
|- valign="top"
|{{flag|Russia}}||14 October 1975||See [[Russia–Tonga relations]]

The Kingdom of Tonga and the [[Soviet Union]] established formal diplomatic relations in 1976.  Tonga was the first [[Pacific Island]] country to establish relations with the USSR.  The USSR was dissolved in 1991 and was succeeded by Russia as the successor state.

On 2 October 2005, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation [[Sergey Lavrov]] and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Tonga ST T. Tupou exchanged telegrams offering congratulations on the occasion of 30th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between the two nations. In his heads of foreign ministries of Russia and Tonga expressed confidence in further development of Russian-Tongan relations in the interests of the peoples of both countries and strengthen peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mid.ru/ns-rafr.nsf/89414576079db559432569d8002421fc/432569a400373407c325709000373b1b?OpenDocument |title=On the exchange of greeting telegrams between the Foreign Ministers of the Russian Federation and the Kingdom of Tonga on the occasion of 30 anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations |publisher=Mid.ru |access-date=15 January 2020}}</ref>

* Russia is accredited to Tonga from its embassy in Canberra, Australia.
* Tonga does not have an accreditation to Russia.
|- valign="top"
|{{flag|Samoa}}||<!--Date started-->||See [[Samoa–Tonga relations]]

Both nations are [[Pacific Islands]] countries and members of the [[Commonwealth of Nations]] and [[Pacific Islands Forum]].
* Samoa is accredited to Tonga from its Ministry of Foreign Affairs in [[Apia]].
* Tonga is accredited to Samoa from its Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Nukuʻalofa.
|- valign="top"
|{{flag|South Korea}}||11 September 1970||

The Kingdom of Tonga and the Republic of Korea have established diplomatic relations on September 11, 1970.
* The two countries have good diplomatic relations.  
* The ROK's Investment in Tonga in 2019 was about 2.5 million $.<ref>https://www.mofa.go.kr/eng/nation/m_4902/view.do?seq=35 {{Bare URL inline|date=August 2024}}</ref> 
|- valign="top"
|{{flag|Spain }}||16 November 1979||

* Spain is accredited to Tonga from its embassy in Wellington, New Zealand.
* Tonga does not have an accreditation to Spain
|- valign="top"

|{{flag| Turkey}}||<!--Date started-->26 January 1976<ref name="auto11">{{Cite web | url=http://www.mfa.gov.tr/relations-between-turkey-and-the-kingdom-of-tonga.en.mfa| title=Relations between Turkey and Tonga|publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs |access-date=6 October 2020}}</ref>||See [[Tonga–Turkey relations]]
*Turkish ambassador in [[Wellington]] to New Zealand is also accredited to [[Tonga]].<ref name="auto11"/>
* Trade volume between the two countries was negligible in 2019.<ref name="auto11"/>
|- valign="top"
|{{flag|United Kingdom}}||4 June 1970||
Tonga has had its longest formal relations with the United Kingdom, with which it remains on very good terms. The British explorer [[James Cook]] led expeditions to Tonga in 1773, 1774 and 1777. This was followed by extensive English missionary activity beginning in 1797. The mass conversion of most Tongans to Christianity – and primarily to Wesleyan [[Methodism]] – resulted in strong religious ties to England as the source of most of the missionaries involved. Indeed, it was in part through the assistance of the English missionary [[Shirley Baker]] (who baptized him) that [[George Tupou I]] established the current Tonga constitutional monarchy in 1875. This served to further strengthen Anglo-Tongan ties, and the United Kingdom and the Kingdom of Tonga established formal mutual diplomatic recognition in 1879.<ref>[https://www.britannica.com/place/Tonga/History "Tonga: History"], ''[[Encyclopædia Britannica]]''</ref> While always remaining independent, Tonga became a British protected state under the so-called Treaty of Friendship on 18 May 1900, when European settlers and rival Tongan chiefs tried to oust the second king. The Treaty of Friendship and protected state status ended only in 1970 under arrangements established during the reign of Tonga's third monarch, Queen [[Salote Tupou III|Sālote]].

Tonga is unique among Pacific island nations in its never having been colonized. Its foreign relations, therefore, have always been as an independent monarchy free of the colonial relationships of its neighbors. (see [[History of Tonga]]).

Tonga's earliest foreign relations were rooted in conquest of many of its neighboring islands so that by the 12th century, Tongans, and the Tongan kings, the [[Tu'i Tonga]], were known across the Pacific, from Niue, Samoa to Tikopia they ruled these nations for over 400 years, leading some historians to refer to a "Tongan Empire," although it was more so a network of interacting navigators, chiefs and adventurers. Tonga's dominance of the region was greatly affected following first contact with the Dutch beginning in 1616 on the Northern Tongan islands "Cocos Island" ([[Tafahi]]) and "Traitors Island" ([[Niuatoputapu]]), and later in 1643 on the main island of Tonga itself.  The Dutch did not establish a lasting presence, but Dutch reports led to interest from the British. The British explorer [[James Cook]] led expeditions to Tonga in 1773, 1774 and 1777. This was followed by extensive English missionary activity beginning in 1797. The mass conversion of most Tongans to Christianity – and primarily to Wesleyan [[Methodism]] – resulted in strong religious ties to England as the source of most of the missionaries involved. Indeed, it was in part through the assistance of the English missionary [[Shirley Baker]] (who baptized him) that [[George Tupou I]] established the current Tonga constitutional monarchy in 1875. This served to further strengthen Anglo-Tongan ties. While always remaining independent, Tonga became a British protected state under the so-called Treaty of Friendship on 18 May 1900, when European settlers and rival Tongan chiefs tried to oust the second king. This protected the Tongan monarchy from European or other colonizing powers in return for a special relationship with the United Kingdom.

In the 1950s, Anglo-Tongan relations were strengthened with the visit of each country's monarch to the other nation. In 1953, Tonga's Queen [[Salote Tupou III|Sālote]] became the first Tongan monarch to visit Britain when she attended the coronation of [[Elizabeth II]]. Soon after, in 1954, the Queen Elizabeth then visited Tonga.

The Treaty of Friendship and protected state status ended only in 1970 under arrangements established during the reign of Tonga's third monarch, Queen [[Salote Tupou III|Sālote]].  
 
As part of cost-cutting measures across the British Foreign Service, the British Government closed the [[British High Commission]] in Nuku{{okina}}alofa in March 2006, transferring representation of British interests in Tonga to the UK High Commissioner in Fiji. The last resident British High Commissioner was Paul Nessling.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20060627193756/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2005/03/21/wtonga21.xml&sSheet=/news/2005/03/21/ixworld.html The sun finally sets on our men in paradise], published in [[The Daily Telegraph]], 21 March 2005.</ref>

In 2010, Tongan Brigadier General [[Tau'aika 'Uta'atu]], Commander of the Tonga Defence Services, signed an agreement in London committing a minimum of 200 Tongan troops to cooperate with Britain's International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in [[Afghanistan]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/DefencePolicyAndBusiness/TonganTroopsToWorkWithUkAndOtherIsafForcesInAfghanistan.htm |title=Tongan troops to work with UK and other ISAF forces in Afghanistan – GOV.UK |publisher=Mod.uk |date=8 October 2010 |access-date=15 January 2020}}</ref>
* Tonga has a high commission in London.
* United Kingdom has a high commission in Nukuʻalofa.
|- valign="top"
|{{flag|United States}}||4 October 1972||See [[Tonga–United States relations]]

The United States and Tonga enjoy close cooperation on a range of international issues. Officers of the American Embassy in Suva, Fiji, are concurrently accredited to Tonga and make periodic visits since the United States has no permanent consular or diplomatic offices in Tonga. Although plans for a US consulate in Tonga were announced in 2008,<ref>[http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/news/stories/200805/s2247365.htm?tab=latest "US to open consulate in Tonga"], ABC Radio Australia, 16 May 2008.</ref><ref>[http://www.radiofiji.com.fj/fullstory.php?id=17715 "US consular office for Tonga"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717083853/http://www.radiofiji.com.fj/fullstory.php?id=17715 |date=17 July 2011 }}, Fiji Broadcasting Corporation, 9 February 2009.</ref> it has yet to be established.<ref>[https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/16092.htm "U.S. Relations With Tonga"], U.S. Department of State, 29 August 2014.</ref> In May 2023, the United&nbsp;States announced plans to establish an embassy in Tonga, as part of a larger regional push to strengthen ties with the Pacific.<ref name="embassy">{{Cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/03/us-set-to-open-tonga-embassy-in-may-as-pacific-push-ramps-up |lang=en-GB |date=2023-05-02 |accessdate=2023-05-02 |work=[[The Guardian]] |title=US set to open Tonga embassy in May as Pacific push ramps up}}</ref>

[[Peace Corps]] Volunteers teach and provide technical assistance to Tongans. A large number of Tongans reside in the United States, particularly in [[Utah]], California and Hawaii.<ref name="US Department of State">{{cite web|url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/16092.htm |title=US Department of State |publisher=2009-2017.state.gov |access-date=15 January 2020}}</ref>

* Tonga is accredited to the United States from its permanent mission to the United Nations in New York City and has a consulate-general in [[Burlingame, California]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tongaconsul.com/ |title=Home |publisher=Tongaconsul.com |date=1 May 2019 |access-date=15 January 2020}}</ref>
* United States has an embassy in [[Nuku’alofa]].
|}

==Commonwealth of Nations==

Tonga has been a member of the [[Commonwealth of Nations]] since 4 June 1970.

Tonga was a British protected monarchy from 1900 to 1970, when it became an independent native monarchy within the Commonwealth of Nations, a status shared by [[Brunei]], [[Lesotho]], [[Malaysia]], and [[Eswatini]], which also have their own native monarchs.

==Current foreign policy==

Tonga's foreign policy as of January 2009 has been described by [[Matangi Tonga]] as "Look East" – namely, as establishing closer diplomatic and economic relations with Asia (which actually lies to the north-west of the Pacific kingdom). Tonga retains cordial relations with the United States. Although it remains on good terms with the United Kingdom, the two countries do not maintain particularly close relations, and the United Kingdom closed its High Commission in Tonga in 2006. Tonga's relations with Oceania's regional powers, Australia and New Zealand, are very good.

== International disputes ==

In 1972, Tonga laid claim to, and invaded, the tide-washed, isolated Minerva Reefs, some 480 kilometres southwest of Nuku'olofa, to thwart efforts by a private group, Ocean Life Research Foundation, to establish an independent [[Republic of Minerva]] (now the [[Principality of Minerva]]) on the reefs and surrounding quays. In November 2005, Fiji laid a complaint with the [[International Seabed Authority]] claiming ownership of the reefs.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pidp.eastwestcenter.org/pireport/2005/November/11-01-15.htm |title=Fiji, Tonga dispute ownership of reef |publisher=Radio New Zealand International |date=1 November 2005 <!--accessdate unknown - did not work on 2007-12-21-->}}</ref>

==See also==

*[[List of diplomatic missions in Tonga]]
*[[List of diplomatic missions of Tonga]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

{{Foreign relations of the Commonwealth of Nations}}
{{Foreign relations of Tonga}}
{{Pacific Islands Forum}}
{{Foreign relations of Oceania}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Foreign Relations Of Tonga}}
[[Category:Foreign relations of Tonga| ]]
[[Category:Tonga and the Commonwealth of Nations]]