Tonga may not be in the good books of the USA with regards to its human rights record, but it is definitely a treasured partner of the USA in its war against terrorism.

The recent visit to Tonga by Admiral Thomas Fargo, the senior Commander of the US Pacific Command on 9 March 2004 was to remind Tonga of the bond in their partnership in the war against terrorism. Tonga was an original member of the coalition, led by the USA that invaded Iraq.

A US Press Release said that Admiral Fargo's visit was an opportunity to "personally affirm the strength of the US-Tonga friendship and convey appreciation for Tongan support for the War on Terrorism."

While Admiral Thomas Fargo was in Tonga he had an audience with King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV at the Royal Palace, and he visited the Tongan Military Command. The Admiral's visit is understood to be only the second ever to Tonga by a high ranking person from the United States Military establishment.

Admiral Thomas Fargo is the senior commander for the US Military air, ground and naval forces in the Pacific and Indian Ocean areas. Admiral Fargo's responsibilities includes oversight of all US military activities, and promoting peace and stability in an area that encompasses more than 50 per cent of the Earth's surface, traverses 16 time zones and borders 43 nations with 60 per cent of the world's population.

On this trip through the region Admiral Fargo also stopped by in New Zealand and Fiji.