Tonga PM suffers stroke in New York

Prime Minister of Tonga Lord Tu'ivakano. Photo / Greg Bowker

Tongan Prime Minister Lord Tu'ivakano suffered a minor stroke while in New York attending the UN General Assembly.

The 61-year-old fell ill after attending last week's General Assembly as part of a delegation from the Pacific nation led by King Tupou VI, a spokesman for his office said on Monday.

"He was admitted to hospital but the latest information I have is that he's been released and is getting ready to travel back to Tonga," he told AFP.

"It was a very minor stroke and his condition is good."

Tu'ivakano took office in 2010 after the first popular elections in Tonga following more than 150 years of rule dominated by the monarchy.

All Access. All in one subscription. From $2 per week

Subscribe now

All Access Weekly

From $2 per week

Pay just

$15.75

$2

per week ongoing

Subscribe now

BEST VALUE

All Access Annual

Pay just

$449

$49

per year ongoing

Subscribe now

Learn more

30

- AFP