Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama says he mourns the passing of Tongan PM ʻAkilisi Pōhiva.

Bainimarama says Pōhiva inspired the world with raw emotion at last month’s Pacific Islands Forum in Tuvalu – which, despite his health – he attended in recognition of the urgency of climate action.

The Prime Minister, speaking in Australia says we must honour the late Tongan PM’s legacy by continuing his fight.

The 78-year-old had been medivaced to Auckland New Zealand on Wednesday suffering from pneumonia.

He had been in poor health for the past few years, and spent much of this year in Auckland being treated for liver problems.