British Royal Navy vessel returns to Tongan waters [1]
Friday, March 11, 2022 - 22:29
The vessel will conduct patrols in the waters around the islands to deter and defend against illegal fishing.
Lucy Joyce, the British High Commissioner to Tonga, said the Royal Navy’s visit is an opportunity for the United Kingdom to support bilateral and regional co-operation on defense and security, particularly maritime security.
"The UK is helping to build resilience and capacity, tackle shared security challenges and uphold freedom of navigation and international law."
On Jan. 26, the Batch 2 OPV delivered UK Aid stores, including 30,000 litres of bottled water, medical supplies for over 300 first aid kits, PPE, basic sanitation items and baby products.
Based in Portsmouth, the HMS Spey is on a five-year mission to the Indo-Pacific region alongside her sister ship HMS Tamar.
The mission so far has seen the ship visit Hawaii, Tahiti, Pitcairn, the Cook Islands and Niue.
Meanwhile, the Indo-Asia Pacific is of growing importance for the UK’s security and prosperity, and the UK is committed to build strong partnerships with Pacific Island countries, said the High Commissioner.