Samoa's Head of State, His Highness, Tuimaleali’ifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II is due on Nuku'alofa, Tonga on Wednesday as he begins duty travel as The University of the South Pacific (U.S.P.) Chancellor.

Privately-owned Tongan news service Matangi Tonga Online reported Tuesday that the Head of State is scheduled to officiate at the graduation ceremony of the U.S.P. Campus in Tonga this Friday.

He will be accompanied by Masiofo Faamausili Leinafo Tuimalealiifano.

According to Matangi Tonga Online Tonga's Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Nuku'alofa said Samoa and Tonga enjoy long standing relations.

This is the first visit to Tonga of a Head of State in three-years, since Tonga closed its borders due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in addition to the volcanic and tsunami disasters in January this year.

Tuimaleali’ifano was appointed the Chancellor of The U.S.P. in August this year with the position getting rotated annually among the 12 Pacific Island nations that own the regional university. This is year is Samoa's turn to take up the position hence the appointment of the Head of State.

He was bestowed with The U.S.P. title at the regional university's graduation ceremony at the Maota o Tupulaga, EFKS Hall.

His appointment also coincides with The U.S.P. Vice Chancellor and President, Professor Pal Ahluwalia currently being resident in Apia, Samoa. 

Speaking in a press conference at The U.S.P. Samoa Campus in Alafua in August, when the Head of State's appointment was first announced, Prof. Ahluwalia said it is a historic moment for the U.S.P. as well as Samoa as this is the first time a regional campus will have both the Chancellor and Vice Chancellor at one location. 

It is understood Prof. Ahluwalia will also attend the graduation ceremony in Tonga.