The Hon. Minister for Fisheries, Hon. Viliami Sisifa, successfully led Tonga’s delegation to the 37th Session of the FAO Committee on Fisheries (COFI37), held at FAO Headquarters in Rome, Italy, from 7–11 September 2026
Tonga’s delegation participating in the 37th Session of the FAO Committee on Fisheries (COFI) at FAO Headquarters in Rome, Italy.
Photo credit: FAO
COFI37 provided an important opportunity for Tonga to contribute to global discussions on sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, food security, climate resilience and other priorities of Pacific Small Island Developing States.
On the margins of COFI37, Hon. Sisifa held a successful bilateral meeting with the FAO Director-General, Dr. QU Dongyu, to discuss Tonga’s priority fisheries needs and opportunities for strengthened FAO assistance.
The Minister highlighted the need for continued support in key areas including fisheries resilience, aquaculture development, seafood safety, fisheries data and capacity building, particularly in response to climate change and natural disasters
Hon. Minister for Fisheries Viliami Sisifa with FAO Director-General Dr. QU Dongyu during their bilateral meeting on the margins of COFI37 in Rome,Italy
Photo credit: FAO
Importantly, Hon. Sisifa also raised the need to strengthen FAO’s fisheries technical presence in the Pacific, including consideration of placing a dedicated fisheries technical officer at the FAO Subregional Office for the Pacific Islands in Apia, Samoa.
The Minister emphasized that fisheries are fundamental to the food security, livelihoods and economies of Pacific Island countries, and that having dedicated FAO fisheries expertise based in the Pacific would enable more timely and effective support to Pacific Members and strengthen regional coordination.
The meeting concluded positively, with Tonga and FAO reaffirming their commitment to continued cooperation in strengthening sustainable and resilient fisheries development.
Hon. Sisifa expressed Tonga’s appreciation to Dr. QU Dongyu and FAO for the opportunity to discuss Tonga’s priorities and for FAO’s continued support to Tonga’s fisheries sector.
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