A high level delegation from the People’s Republic of China arrives in the Kingdom this morning.

The delegation is led by the Mr. Wang Jiarui, Vice Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee and Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee.

Upon arriving at Fua’amotu airport the Chairman of the Whole House Committee, Sunia Fili warmly welcomed them at the VIP lounge.

Mr. Wang and his delegation’s one-day goodwill visit to Nuku‘alofa was at the invitation of the Speaker, Lord Fakafanua. The invitation to visit Tonga was extended to Mr. Wang during a Tongan Parliamentary delegation visit to China led by Lord Fakafanua in 2012.

The Chinese Embassy in Nuku’alofa says (65) Mr. Wang is one of China‘s State leaders. He holds a Ph.D. in economics and has been a member of the Communist Party of China (CPC) since October 1973. The Communist Party of China (CPC) is the founding and ruling political party of the People’s Republic of China.

“Mr. Wang is visiting Tonga for the first time. The purpose of his trip is to enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the two countries. It is also to seek further cooperation and mutual exchange between Tonga and China,” says Mr. Sun Xiaofei of Chinese Embassy Office in Nuku’alofa.

The recent visits to China by the Speaker and other Members of Parliament have fostered a good relationship between the Legislative Assembly of Tonga and the Communist Party of China (CPC).

Last year, IDCPC donated new office supplies worth over TOP$148,000.00 to the Parliament of Tonga. The increased exchanges between the two countries over the years have enhanced the bilateral and mutual understanding of the two countries.

While the high level delegation visits Tonga, they will also have an audience with His Majesty, King Tupou VI at the Royal Palace today. They will also meet with the Prime Minister Lord Tu’ivakanō before attending a luncheon programme hosted by the Speaker at the Waterfront Restaurant.

Mr. Wang and his delegation returns to Beijing via Auckland on Friday March 28th, 2014