Captain Toni Fonokalafi (57) of the Tonga Defence Services, received a French National Defence Medal in recognition of his work in strengthening the relations between the Tongan and the French Defence Ministries.

The medal was awarded to Capt Fonokalafi by the French Ambassador to Tonga HE Mr Gilles Montagnier on board the French ship Jacques Cartier at Queen Salote Wharf on Saturday morning, March 17.

The Ambassador said that the good relationship between Tonga and France had resulted in regular training programs between TDS and the French Armed Forces, including patrol exercises and annual exchanges of troops.

The ceremony was attended by the Prime Minister Lord Tu'ivakano, Brigadier General Tau'aika 'Uta'aatu and French Defence Attaché Lt Colonel Arnaud Bouyssou.

It was a second medal for Capt Fonokalafi Toni who had previously received the Meritorious Medal from the United States for his service during  Tongan troops deployment to Iraq.

Capt Fonokalafi joined TDS in 1975 and has worked with the French Armed Forces for 15 years, and he is the second Tongan solider to receive a medal from France; the first was Brigadier General Tau'aika 'Uta'atu.