The ‘Kirisame’, Japan's Maritime Self-Defence Force Destroyer was in Nuku'alofa over the weekend, on its Indo-Pacific Deployment 2022, aimed to strengthen cooperation with partners, including the Tonga Navy.

Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala toured the destroyer on 20 August at Vuna Wharf and was welcomed by Commander Sakata, with the Japanese Ambassador HE Mr Kenasku Munenaga and Mrs Munenaga.

The Crown Prince said Japan and Tonga share similarities in that Tonga has a large maritime area to care for, with many remote islands. 

He said maintaining security for such a large part of the ocean is not easy with what few resources the Tonga Navy has. 

"Our Prime Minister stated our concern that the estimated amount of loss to illegal fishing (in the high hundreds of millions regionally) demonstrates that illegal actors can come to our waters, and repeat their illegal activity many times.

“Tonga's territorial integrity is dear to us and its natural resources are our people's livelihood. The Tonga Navy is less one patrol boat and its only aircraft than it had in the past. Their ability to find and protect our people in search and rescue, medical evacuations, or disaster relief is reduced. They have had to adapt to do more with less."

He said maintaining access for people on our islands is also difficult, and the Tongan Navy has had to develop unique capabilities for this. For instance, to be able to deliver disaster relief following cyclones, to islands without a harbour. 

In the case of the recent HTHH volcanic eruption and tsunami, Tonga Navy had to learn to be on the receiving end of disaster relief, than sending it onwards, keeping help accessible.

The Tonga Navy responded strongly to the nationwide crisis, which cut off access from the world to Tonga and Tongatapu from people in the outer islands, he said.

"The soldiers and sailors of Tonga are grateful for defence partnerships like this with Japan and your Self Defence Force for your help during this crisis."

The Crown Prince said that Tonga's Chief of the Defence Staff leads us with a 'Ngaue Malu’i Fetokoni’aki' or Cooperative Security Strategy.

“We seek Tonga's security through cooperative means with defence partners. Defence cooperation with our Pacific neighbours leads to safer immediate surroundings and reducing the likelihood of threats builds on the foundations of our peace,” he said.

HMAF is also developing joint capabilities.

"You being here..signals our collective security, that we are working together to protect people and our shared oceans. It brings peace from the experience, that Tonga has friends willing to help, and together we can reach that help out to the furthest islands. I hope this same spirit will guide all of you as you forge partnerships for our future."

Japan

Commander Sakata said sustainable development in Tonga is important for Japan because they aim for the prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region.

"For Japan Maritime Self Defense Force, the maritime order in the Indo-Pacific region, including Tonga, is a major concern today.

“Japan Maritime Self Defense Force will strengthen the cooperation with relevant countries to maintain and reinforce the Free and Open Indo-Pacific, and the free and open international order based on the rule of law."

The Japanese Ambassasdor said through various activities, including this visit and the joint exercise, our relations, friendship and cooperation will be enriched and further developed, and the warm and tight friendship between Tonga and Japan will continue to be strengthened.

The Prime Minister Hon. Hu'akavameiliku also toured the destroyer later on the same day.

Meanwhile, the Kirisame departed Nuku'alofa on 22 August for New Caledonia.