Tonga-Australia Defence Cooperation Talks strengthen cooperation [1]
Saturday, November 26, 2022 - 13:36. Updated on Sunday, November 27, 2022 - 13:36.
The annual Tonga-Australia Defence Cooperation Talks held in Canberra last week further strengthened defence cooperation and ties between the two countries.
Tonga's delegation from His Majesty's Armed Forces was led by Deputy Chief of Defence Staff, Captain Sione Ulakai.
Captain Ulakai told Matangi Tonga that Australia Defence is an integral partner, and this annual meeting was vital for them to catch up, update joint projects on what lies ahead in defence cooperation.
He said HMAF values Australia Defence assistance especially in the area of maritime security since Tonga is a maritime nation.
“Australia has been assisting us not only in martime patrol, provision of patrol boats, training of Tongan soldiers but the cooperation extends to the development of our defence infrastructue and other areas,” he said.
“This meeting was also significant as it was the first time for the top military officials to meet face to face in three-years, due to the COVID pandemic.”
The Australian High Commission in Nuku'alofa stated on 25 November that he talks set the agenda for the coming year’s extensive cooperation between Tonga and Australia, including maritime engagement, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and personnel development.