The United States welcomes the Government of Tonga’s endorsement and participation in the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) and looks forward to working with Tonga to advance the counterproliferation goals of the PSI and its Statement of Interdiction Principles. Tonga is the 115th state to endorse the PSI and the ninth government to endorse this year. Tonga’s endorsement follows its participation in PSI Exercise Pacific Protector, hosted by the Government of Australia in Sydney from September 24-27, 2024.
Launched in Krakow, Poland, in 2003, the PSI celebrated its 20th anniversary in May 2023. States become part of the PSI by publicly endorsing the PSI Statement of Interdiction Principles that includes voluntary political commitments to impede and stop shipments of WMD, delivery systems, and related materials flowing to and from states and non-state actors of proliferation concern. PSI-endorsing States also adopt streamlined procedures for rapid information exchange and strengthen relevant national and international laws and frameworks.