The Jacques Cartier, a Light Transport Landing Ship of the French Armed Forces is in Nuku'alofa on a friendly visit, during its regional patrol of the South Pacific waters.

Commander Laurent Bliecq said the landing ship has one annual patrol mission of the South Pacific region, which includes the French territory of New Caledonia and Wallis and Futuna. He said the ship initially dropped off equipment at Wallis and Futuna.

"Our visit to Tonga is also to maintain the good relationship between the Tonga Defence Services and the French Armed Forces."

The Commander who met with Tonga's Brigadier Tau'aika 'Uta'atu and the Secretary of Foreign Affairs last week, confirmed the French Army's assistance of 20 trucks to be donated to Tonga in May.

Upon arrival on Thursday, March 5 the Jacques Cartier held a joint maritime training exercise with the TDS ship Voeaa.

The Jacques Cartier is a combination of a cargo and a landing ship. Her main task is to run aground in order to disembark troops in remote places with a consequent amount of cargo.

Based in Noumea, New Caledonia the 1,580 tonnes ship has a crew of 60 officers who are all male. It is the fourth Batral (landing ship) from a series of five ships of the French Armed Forces and one of four in New Caledonia.

The ship last visited Tonga in 2007 and will depart tomorrow, Tuesday, March 10, and is due to return home on March 20.