Tonga's senior military leadership has joined defence counterparts from across the Indo-Pacific at a regional security symposium aimed at strengthening cooperation among allied and partner nations, in Honolulu Hawaii.
His Majesty’s Armed Forces (HMAF) Assistant Chief of Defence Staff for Joint Operations, Colonel Tevita Fifita, met with U.S. Marine Corps Major General Valerie Jackson during a key leaders engagement at the Pacific Amphibious Leaders Symposium (PALS) 2026 on June 17.
Major General Jackson, commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Korea, held discussions with Colonel Fifita as part of a series of engagements involving senior military officials from across the region.
The symposium brought together defence leaders, military experts and security officials from 25 nations committed to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Now in its 12th year, PALS serves as a forum for amphibious and maritime forces to exchange operational knowledge, discuss emerging security challenges and strengthen regional partnerships.
Organisers said the symposium provided an opportunity for military leaders to exchange knowledge, discuss emerging security issues and develop stronger relationships between participating countries.
The meeting between Col. Fifita and Maj. Gen. Jackson highlighted ongoing defence engagement between Tonga and the United States and underscored the importance of regional cooperation in addressing shared security concerns.
