French Navy Ship La Glorieuse and Maritime Patrol Aircraft Gardian are conducting a surveillance mission of Tonga’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) aimed at stopping illegal trafficking.

The annual mission by the French Navy is to assist Tongan naval personnel monitor and police the high seas.

While in Nuku’alofa last Thursday, 21 March, the ship’s Commanding Officer Lt Julien Feurtey met with Tonga’s Chief of Defence Staff of His Majesty’s Armed Forces, Brigadier General Lord Fielakepa, Prime Minister Hon. ‘Akilisi Pohiva, and Deputy Prime Minister Hon Semisi Sika, to discuss common matters at sea and the vision of both countries.

The ship and the aircraft have monitored half of Tonga’s EEZ during their deployment. The La Glorieuse was in Neiafu, Vava’u on the weekend and will head to its base in Noumea, New Caledonia in the next few days.

France’s Navy also provides humanitarian assistance to Tonga when required. Last year, following Tropical Cyclone Gita, the French Navy ship D’Entrecasteaux brought relief cargo to Tongatapu and its crew assisted in recovery operations.