RAMSI says Malo 'aupito Tonga [1]
Tuesday, June 5, 2007 - 05:52. Updated on Monday, July 20, 2015 - 16:54.
RAMSI Special Coordinator Tim George today thanked the Kingdom of Tonga for its very valuable contribution to the work of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands.
Speaking on the occasion of Tonga's national Emancipation Day, Mr George said he wanted to say Malo'aupito or thank you very much to Tonga for its strong and consistent contribution of military, police and civilian personnel to the mission.
"I know the genuine friendship and support extended to Solomon Islands by Tonga through the mission is greatly appreciated both by RAMSI and also by Solomon Islands," Mr George said.
Tonga currently contributes 12 police officers, a Military Liaison Officer and a lawyer working in the Solomon Islands Public Solicitor's office under RAMSI's Law and Justice Program.
"We thank Tonga for continuing to support the work of RAMSI in Solomon Islands by contributing some of its best and brightest citizens to the mission."
Mr George said that RAMSI was particularly appreciative of the experience and professionalism that Tongan police and military officers bring to the mission.
"The officers from the Tongan Police Force and Tonga Defence Service bring with them a wealth of experience of policing in communities that have a lot of similarities to communities here in Solomon Islands, in terms of custom, culture and religion.
"So contributions like Tonga's add a real depth to the mission and really enhance RAMSI's ability to do its job effectively in partnership with Solomon Islands.
"I know this is something that not only RAMSI but Solomon Islanders greatly appreciate"
Mr George said he was very happy to confirm that a platoon from the Tongan Defence Force was once again due to serve in Solomon Islands later this year.
"We welcome once again a strong military contribution from Tonga, whose officers' discipline and professionalism always enhance RAMSI." Office of the Special Coordinator, 04/06/07.