Samoa–Tonga relations explained

Samoa–Tonga relations are the bilateral relations between the Independent State of Samoa and the Kingdom of Tonga.^[1] They also interact in multilateral relations, with both of them belonging to the United Nations, the Commonwealth of Nations, and the Pacific Islands Forum.^[2]

Historical context

According to Samoan oral tradition, Tonga was once under the dominion of the Tui Manu'a and paid tribute to the revered paramount chief.^[3] In the tenth century this dominance was reversed, the Tui Manu'a were supplanted by the Tuʻi Tonga Empire, and Samoa's chiefs paid tribute to Tonga.^[4] In the thirteenth century Talakaifaiki brought Samoa under his direct control, and established a capital at Safotu on the island of Savaiʻi.^[5] He was later driven out by the progenitors of the Malietoa dynasty.^[5] Despite this successful rebellion intermarriages between Tongan and Samoan chiefly lines continued, and Ngata, the progenitor of the current Tonga royal dynasty, the Tuʻi Kanokupolu, was of Samoan descent.^[6]

In the nineteenth century European great powers fought over the division of the region, and Samoa was colonised by the Germans.^[7] Samoa was then occupied by New Zealand during the First World War.

Modern relations

Tonga has no formally agreed maritime boundary with Samoa.^[8] Talks on the issue were supposed to be finalised in 2019.^[9]

In September 2017 acting Tongan Prime Minister ʻAkilisi Pōhiva visited Apia with a Tongan delegation for a Pacific Islands Forum meeting.^[10]

In November 2022 Samoa's O le Ao o le Malo Tuimalealiʻifano Vaʻaletoʻa Sualauvi II visited Nukuʻalofa in order to preside over a University of the South Pacific graduation ceremony in his role as USP chancellor.^{[11] [12]} While there he paid a formal visit to Tongan Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni.^[13]

See also

• • Foreign relations of Samoa Foreign relations of Tonga

Notes and References

1. Web site: Tonga's Oral History (Fiji / Samoa / Uvea / Futuna). October 26, 2010. Vai. Matavuvale Network. https://web.archive.org/web/20101115193104/http://www.matavuvale.com/forum/topics/tongas-oral-history-fiji. 15 November 2010. dead.
2. Web site: Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat Initiative. Asia Regional Integration Center.
3. Web site: TALES OF TIME: Tui Manu'a Empire of Samoa . The Coconet . 19 December 2022.
4. An experiment in Tongan history . Collocott . E. E. V. . Journal of the Polynesian Society . 33 . 131 . 1924 . 166–184 . 19 December 2022 .
5. The war of Tonga and Samoa and origin of the name Malietoa . Ella . S. . Journal of the Polynesian Society . 8 . 4 . 1899 . 231–234 . 19 December 2022.
6. The Tu’i Kanokupolu Matai Establishment and Why would Tu’i Tonga Fuanunuiava have vied to become one? (A genealogical analysis of post 1550 AD new political hegemony in Tonga) . Siaosi L. . ‘Ilaiu . M.Phil . Massey University . 2007 . 20 December 2022.
7. Web site: Pacific Strife: The Great Powers and their Political and Economic Rivalries in Asia and the Western Pacific, 1870-1914 . Kees van Dijk . Amsterdam University Press . 2015 . 167–170. 17 December 2022.
8. Web site: Tonga . Pacific Maritime Boundaries Dashboard . 19 December 2022.
9. Web site: Samoa to finalise boundary negotiations with Tonga end of 2019 . Samoa Observer . Adel Fruean . 26 September 2019 . 19 December 2022.
10. Web site: Tonga’s P.M. Pohiva in town . Samoa Observer . 3 September 2017 . 19 December 2022.
11. Web site: Head of State on duty travel in Tonga . Samoa Observer . Gutu Faasau . 16 November 2022 . 19 December 2022.
12. Web site: Samoa’s Head of State to visit Tonga . Matangi Tonga . 15 November 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221115064501/https://matangitonga.to/2022/11/15/samoa-s-head-state-visit-tonga . 15 November 2022.
13. Web site: Samoan Head of State pays courtesy call on Hon. Prime Minister . Office of the Prime Minister . 19 December 2022.