U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Landau Meets with Tongan Prime Minister in Washington... "Reaffirms Longstanding Friendship" and Discusses Digital and Energy Infrastructure Cooperation

Washington, D.C.

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Landau met with Tongan Prime Minister Fakafanua in Washington on October 27 (local time). The U.S. Department of State announced the readout of the Washington meeting between Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and Tongan Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua on the same day. In a meeting readout, the Office of the Spokesperson of the Department of State announced, "Deputy Secretary Landau met today in Washington, D.C. with Tonga Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua," and "built upon the productive dialogue from the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) leaders' meeting in September."

According to the Department of State, Deputy Secretary Landau and Prime Minister Fakafanua reaffirmed the strong, longstanding friendship between the two nations. The two discussed avenues for cooperation to deepen economic and commercial ties, including in digital and energy infrastructure.

On the same day, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) also hosted Prime Minister Fakafanua to discuss Tonga's infrastructure priorities. USTDA announced that its recently funded feasibility studies for Tonga's fuel supply chain and government data center aim to strengthen Tonga's energy security and critical digital systems using trusted U.S. technology.

Department of State: "Continuing the Pacific Islands Forum Dialogue"... Meeting at 2:00 p.m. on Deputy Secretary's Schedule

According to the public schedule for October 27 released in advance by the Department of State, Deputy Secretary Landau met with Prime Minister Fakafanua at 2:00 p.m. that day at the Department of State building. The Department of State noticed the meeting as closed press.

The Department of State tagged the meeting readout with 'Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs' and 'Tonga'. In the release list of the Department of State's Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, this meeting readout was posted under the date of October 27.

The Prime Minister's Office of Tonga posted the schedule of Prime Minister Fakafanua's visit to the United States on its official website. According to the Prime Minister's Office of Tonga, Prime Minister Fakafanua visited Mount Vernon, the birthplace and resting place of first President George Washington, on October 26 and laid a wreath at President Washington's tomb. The Prime Minister's Office of Tonga posted that Prime Minister Fakafanua also attended the U.S.-Pacific Islands Police Ministers Meeting held in Los Angeles in his capacity as Prime Minister and Minister for Police.

USTDA: "Welcomed Tongan Prime Minister to Discuss Infrastructure Priorities and Opportunities to Deepen Cooperation"

USTDA posted a photo of USTDA Deputy Director Thomas R. Hardy welcoming Prime Minister Fakafanua on its official X account on October 27. USTDA posted, "USTDA D/D Hardy welcomed Tonga PM Lord Fakafānua to discuss the country’s infrastructure priorities & opportunities deepen 🇺🇸🇹🇴cooperation," adding that "Recent USTDA-funded feasibility studies aim to strengthen Tonga’s energy security & critical digital systems using trusted U.S. technology."

In the same post thread, USTDA linked detailed information regarding its support for Tonga's fuel infrastructure and digital infrastructure, respectively. USTDA is the agency within the U.S. government that serves as the "first mover" in developing critical infrastructure in emerging markets, funding early-stage technical work for infrastructure projects to help projects secure financing and procure U.S. goods and services. USTDA announced that the funded projects are executed by U.S. companies.

USTDA Supports Feasibility Study to Modernize Transport and Storage Facilities of Tonga's Largest Fuel Supplier

USTDA signed a feasibility study grant agreement on August 13 in Nuku'alofa, the capital of Tonga, with Pacific Energy South West Pacific (PESWP), a major fuel supplier in Tonga. According to USTDA, this study addresses modernizing Tonga's fuel transport and storage infrastructure to receive large bulk shipments from Medium Range (MR) tankers. The study also recommends policy changes to boost private investment in fuel supply infrastructure.

Deputy Director Hardy said at the time, "Reliable access to energy is the foundation of a stable and growing economy," adding, "This feasibility study offers a path to strengthen Tonga's fuel security, open new export opportunities for U.S. companies, and contribute to a free and open Indo-Pacific."

According to USTDA, the study evaluates three infrastructure options enabling Tonga to directly receive MR tankers. USTDA announced that this will eliminate the need for costly transshipment through third countries and increase Tonga's fuel storage capacity from 15–20 days to approximately 60 days. The study will also deliver preliminary engineering designs for the recommended option and a cost-effective transport and storage model for outer island regions. USTDA announced that it will also identify regulatory reforms in Tonga's fuel pricing mechanism to attract private investment. USTDA stated that the project will create export opportunities for U.S. firms in engineering, construction, and equipment services.

Stephane Cadel, Chief Executive Officer of Pacific Energy, said in USTDA's announcement, "The project we are announcing today with USTDA is the most significant development in the energy sector of the Kingdom of Tonga in decades," adding, "USTDA's involvement has not only brought all stakeholders together—including the Tongan government and the private sector—but will also help structure the project's financing." USTDA announced in a September 2 release that the study will identify U.S. sources of supply and project financing pathways for PESWP, the project sponsor.

USTDA stated that Tonga is an archipelagic nation of approximately 100,000 people dispersed across more than 170 islands, and is highly vulnerable to supply disruptions and price volatility because it imports 100% of its fuel. According to USTDA's business opportunity announcement, the U.S. firm selected to conduct the study will be paid from a $1,420,872 grant provided by USTDA to PESWP. According to the announcement, the study also examines expanding fuel storage capacity from 2.5 million liters to 6 million liters. The three options presented in the announcement are retrofitting the Queen Salote Wharf, constructing a new offshore deepwater mooring facility, and retrofitting the Vuna Cruise Ship Terminal. According to the announcement, PESWP identified retrofitting Queen Salote Wharf as its preferred option. USTDA extended the proposal deadline to October 23.

USTDA: "U.S. Technology Offers Unmatched Quality, Transparency, and Accountability That Competitors Cannot Match"

On September 2 in Koror, Palau, USTDA signed a feasibility study agreement with the Government of Tonga to modernize government data centers and network infrastructure. According to USTDA, the study will formulate plans to operate Tonga's critical government systems and services securely and resiliently utilizing trusted U.S. technology.

Deputy Director Hardy said, "When it comes to safeguarding critical infrastructure, U.S. technology offers a standard of quality, transparency, and accountability that our competitors simply cannot match," adding, "This partnership will safeguard Tonga's critical government systems from malicious actors and position Tonga as a leader in digital governance across the Pacific Islands."

According to USTDA, the Tonga Digital Transformation Department selected CyberCX USA Inc., headquartered in New York, as the contractor to carry out the study. USTDA announced that this project will serve as the foundation for enhancing cybersecurity across the Tongan government, supporting disaster recovery, expanding digital public services, and adopting future artificial intelligence (AI)-based applications. The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy is supporting the migration of the Tongan government's critical data assets to trusted cloud infrastructure.

Devon L. Brown, Chargé d'Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Tonga, said at the time, "The United States is proud to support Tonga's digital transformation, rooted in the mutual trust that defines our partnership," adding, "Technology has the power to drive rapid economic growth, but as it transforms societies, relying on trusted partners is more important than ever." Sione Pulotu 'Akau'ola, Chief Executive Officer of Tonga's Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications, said, "This partnership strengthens Tonga's digital resilience and ensures our people can depend on secure and reliable systems as we expand digital services across government."

Announcing support initiatives for the Pacific Islands on the same day, Deputy Director Hardy said, "The Pacific Islands are at the center of a free and open Indo-Pacific," adding, "The initiatives we are advancing today reflect our deep commitment to our partnership with the Pacific Islands." Deputy Director Hardy noted, "USTDA has a track record of turning early-stage project support into real infrastructure, helping partners adopt trusted U.S. technology on their own terms."

Department of State Announces "More Than $150 Million in Support" at September Pacific Islands Forum... Tonga Projects Included

In a release on September 1, the Department of State stated that Deputy Secretary Landau announced more than $150 million in U.S. support for the Pacific Islands at the Pacific Islands Forum Dialogue Partners meeting held in Palau. The Department of State announced, "The United States is a Pacific nation and has long stood with our Pacific friends and neighbors to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific region," adding, "Our commitment to the security and prosperity of the Pacific Islands is steadfast, enduring, and a core pillar of our America First foreign policy." The Department of State stated, "When the Pacific Islands are stable, secure, and prosperous, so is the United States," and "Under the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Rubio, we are prioritizing commercial diplomacy and realigning Pacific foreign assistance around infrastructure investments that support U.S. companies and private sector-led economic growth."

In the same release, the Department of State introduced the feasibility studies for Tonga's fuel supply infrastructure and Tonga's data center infrastructure as projects supported by USTDA using Department of State funding. The Department of State also announced that, working with Congress, it plans to provide $60 million to expand fuel storage capacity and support grid stabilization in the Pacific Islands. Deputy Assistant Secretary Murray said at a September 15 briefing that the $60 million aims to address both short-term funding gaps resulting from the global energy crisis and long-term needs such as expanding fuel storage capacity and grid stability. The Department of State also announced that it is pursuing the 'Cloud Global Pacific Program,' which accelerates the adoption of cloud technologies by other Pacific Island governments based on successful projects in Tonga and Palau.

Matt Murray, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, announced at a virtual press briefing on September 15 that Deputy Secretary Landau held 11 bilateral meetings during the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau. Noting that this trip was Deputy Secretary Landau's third extended tour of the Pacific Islands over the past year, Deputy Assistant Secretary Murray said, "The Pacific Islands are a priority for the United States." Deputy Assistant Secretary Murray said that major negotiations with U.S. geothermal companies advanced in Vanuatu and Tonga following the first U.S.-Pacific Islands Trade and Investment Summit, co-hosted in February in Honolulu, Hawaii, by Deputy Secretary Landau and Pacific Commander Paparo, which brought together more than 80 U.S. companies. The Department of State announced plans to host the second Pacific Investment Summit in early 2027.

According to the Prime Minister's Office of Tonga, Prime Minister Fakafanua carried out his first official visit to the United States since taking office by attending the February summit in Honolulu. Prime Minister Fakafanua said at the time, "The Kingdom of Tonga welcomes the opportunity to redefine our relationship with the United States, and the Honolulu summit serves as an ideal catalyst to advance this partnership." The Prime Minister's Office of Tonga posted that Prime Minister Fakafanua met at the time with officials from USTDA, the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), and the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) to discuss expanding investment opportunities and enhancing infrastructure resilience.

Sources (KST)

• Office of the Spokesperson, U.S. Department of State, "Deputy Secretary Landau's Meeting with Tonga Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua" (October 27, 2026): https://www.state.gov/releases/office-of-the-spokesman/2026/10/deputy-secretary-landaus-meeting-with-tonga-prime-minister-lord-fakafanua/
• Public Schedule, U.S. Department of State (October 27, 2026): https://www.state.gov/releases/office-of-the-spokesman/2026/10/public-schedule-october-27-2026
• U.S. Department of State, "Promoting Pacific Prosperity: U.S. Engagement at the Pacific Islands Forum" (September 1, 2026): https://www.state.gov/releases/office-of-the-spokesperson/2026/09/promoting-pacific-prosperity-u-s-engagement-at-the-pacific-islands-forum
• U.S. Department of State, Virtual Press Briefing with Deputy Assistant Secretary Matt Murray (September 15, 2026): https://www.state.gov/virtual-press-briefing-with-deputy-assistant-secretary-of-state-matt-murray-on-u-s-participation-in-the-pacific-islands-forum-pif-leaders-meeting
• USTDA, "USTDA Supports Critical Energy Infrastructure in Tonga" (August 13, 2026): https://ustda.gov/ustda-supports-critical-energy-infrastructure-in-tonga/
• USTDA, "USTDA Partners with Tonga to Build Trusted Government Digital Infrastructure" (September 2, 2026): https://ustda.gov/ustda-partners-with-tonga-to-build-trusted-government-digital-infrastructure/
• USTDA, "Tonga: Fuel Transport and Storage Infrastructure Feasibility Study" Business Opportunity Announcement: https://ustda.gov/business_opp_oversea/tonga-fuel-transport-and-storage-infrastructure-feasibility-study/
• Prime Minister's Office of Tonga, "Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua visited Mount Vernon" (October 26, 2026): https://pmo.gov.to/prime-minister-lord-fakafanua-visited-mount-vernon/
• Prime Minister's Office of Tonga, Arrival Announcement in Honolulu (February 25, 2026): https://pmo.gov.to/the-prime-minister-of-the-kingdom-of-tonga-lord-fakafanua-has-arrived-in-honolulu-hawai%ca%bbi/
• Prime Minister's Office of Tonga, Honolulu Bilateral Meetings Announcement (February 27, 2026): https://pmo.gov.to/prime-minister-lord-fakafanua-held-a-series-of-productive-bilateral-meetings-with-key-international-partners-and-u-s-firms/
• USTDA X Post and Photo (October 27, 2026): https://x.com/USTDA/status/2115180388641558954
• USTDA X Post (Digital Infrastructure Details, October 27, 2026): https://x.com/USTDA/status/2115180393771004085