Tonga plans joint defence exercise with US and French [1]
Wednesday, June 29, 2011 - 21:28. Updated on Wednesday, September 11, 2013 - 09:54.
MAJOR Loic Davaillon French Defence Attache to Fiji and Tonga visited Nuku'alofa to represent France in the planning meeting for the Military Exercise "Tafakula" to be held in Tongatapu in August.
The Tafakula military exercise to be led by the US Marines, includes a platoon from the French Armed Forces in Noumea, New Caledonia and the Tonga Defence Services (TDS).
The meeting on June 28 was also attended by US Marines and TDS officers.
He told Matangi Tonga Online that he was also on a farewell visit and would be returning to France at the end of his three year term in Noumea, New Caledonia.
He said that his mission was to maintain and strengthen military ties and cooperation between the French Armed Forces and the Tonga Defence Services, a mission that he believed had been largely achieved.
He said military linkages between Tonga and France dated back to 1855 and today the strong cooperation was evident in the ongoing military training programs between the TDS and French Armed Forces and other assistances.
In 2009 France assisted TDS with 15 army trucks, valued at USD$1.1 million dollars.
In October 2009 France responded to the tsunami disaster at Niuatoputapu and sent a REVI, a French Navy Ship from Papeete to Nuku'alofa to assist in transporting much needed supplies of water, food and clothing to the outer island following the tsunami that struck Niuatoputapu on September 30, 2009.
Major Davaillon said that his successor, who will take office in July would continue with their mission of strengthening the military cooperation between Tonga and France.
On a one day visit Major Davaillon met with the Commander of the TDS Brigadier Tau'aika 'Uta'atu and Secretary of Foreign Affairs Mahe'uli'ili Tupouniua.