Visiting Tonga last week, Commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet Admiral Samuel Paparo, was welcomed in Nuku‘alofa, by His Majesty’s Armed Forces and Deputy Chief of Defence Staff, Captain Sione Ulakai.

While in Tonga, 16 – 17 September, 2022, the Admiral also met with the Acting Prime Minister Hon. Samiu Vaipulu.

Both the Prime Minister Hon. Hu'akavameiliku and the Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier Lord Feilakepa were overseas.

The visit by the high-ranking U.S. military delegation, aimed to strengthen the U.S.-Tonga partnership to work on shared challenges and objectives in the region.

“The visit to Tonga reaffirms the United States’ commitment to our deepening relationship and partnership for a free and open Indo Pacific. Together, we will address common challenges through our shared values to ensure the security and wellbeing of the citizens we all serve,” said Admiral Paparo.

Meanwhile, Tongan Prime Minister Hon. Hu‘akavameilu is currently in New York attending the UN General Assembly, and was unable to meet with the U.S. Admiral on his visit to Tonga.

In addition, Brigadier General Lord Fielakepa is on leave abroad.

Admiral Paparo's visit to Tonga follows Deputy Secretary of State, Wendy Sherman’s visit in August 2022.

Ms. Sherman reflected on the U.S. government’s ongoing commitment to expanding U.S.-Tongan cooperation on regional security, economic and development issues.