Press Releases

1. The Government of Japan provided approximately 7,000 additional doses of COVID-19 vaccines manufactured in Japan, through the COVAX Facility, to Tonga, as part of assistance by Japan to contribute to the prevention of the spread of COVID-19 in Tonga. The vaccines arrived in Tonga on February 15.
2. At the Ninth Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM9), which took place on the 2nd of July 2021, Japan has announced its intention to provide Pacific Island countries with COVID-19 vaccines including through the COVAX Facility. This provision of COVID-19 vaccines to Tonga is implemented as part of the commitment. Japan will continue to provide various assistance in cooperation with relevant countries and international organizations towards the earliest convergence of COVID-19.
3. Japan and Tonga have been friends connected by the Pacific Ocean as well as an important partners in the international arena. Japan will continue to provide necessary assistance for prevention of the spread of COVID-19 in Tonga and speedy recovery from the damage caused by the volcano eruption and tsunami.

[Note]
1. Past Provisions of COVID-19 vaccines from Japan to Tonga through the COVAX Facility
　Approximately 40,000 doses on August 25, 2021
　Approximately 7,000 doses on December 14, 2021
2. The Ninth Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM9)
　The Ninth Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM9) was held with Mr. SUGA Yoshihide, Prime Minister of Japan, and Mr. Hon. Kausea NATANO, Prime Minister of Tuvalu as the co-chairs via video conference on July 2nd, 2021. The leaders and representatives of 19 countries and regions participated, including Japan, 14 island countries (Tuvalu, Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Vanuatu), Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia, and French Polynesia.
　At the PALM9, Japan announced its intention to provide Pacific Island countries with COVID-19 vaccines including through the COVAX Facility as well as with cold chain equipment and medical capabilities development for vaccination.