MAJURO, MARSHALL ISLANDS — June 9, 2026 — Her Excellency President Hilda C. Heine hosted His Majesty King Tupou VI at an official dinner held at the Marshall Islands Resort in honor of his visit to the Republic of the Marshall Islands.
The dinner was attended by members of the Council of Iroij, including Chairman Irooj Lanny Kabua, Lerooj Esther Zedkeia, Speaker Brenson S. Wase, Vice Speaker Isaac Zackhras, and members of Cabinet, reflecting the importance of unity between traditional leadership and government in the Marshall Islands.
In her remarks, President Heine welcomed His Majesty and distinguished guests, emphasizing that sharing food in Marshallese culture symbolizes respect, gratitude, and kinship. She underscored the significance of customary leadership and reaffirmed the shared Pacific values that continue to connect the peoples of the Marshall Islands and the Kingdom of Tonga. President Heine also highlighted the longstanding ties between the two nations, strengthened through generations of Pacific leadership and cooperation.
Following President Heine’s toast in honor of His Majesty, King Tupou VI graciously reciprocated with a toast. The evening also provided a meaningful opportunity for cultural exchange between Marshallese traditional leaders and His Majesty, fostering dialogue and further strengthening the deep cultural and historical ties that unite the peoples of the Pacific.
The evening concluded with a toast to His Majesty’s health and to the continued strengthening of friendship and cooperation between the two nations, reaffirming their shared identity as part of one Pacific family.
Photo credit: Chewy Lin
