Tonga's Prime Minister Lord Tu'ivakano farewelled Tonga's fifth contingent to Afghanistan at Fua'amotu International Airport this afternoon, September 14.

The 55 soldiers led by Captain Toni Fonokalafi are on their way to the United Kingdom where they will undergo six weeks pre-deployment training in England before their deployment to Afghanistan in mid-November. 

The troops include three women, 2nd Lt Halangahu, CPL Lilamani and Cpl Sela Moala.

The Tongan troops, who are on a six months rotation, will carry out base security at the British Camp Bastion at Helmand Province in Southern Afghanistan.

The Commander of the Tonga Defence Services Brigadier-General Tau'aika 'Uta'atu, Cmdr Peter Steele of Australia, the Australian High Commissioner HE Dr Thomas Roth and families were also present to farewell the troops.

Tongan troops will remain in Afghanistan for two more years, with a review to be held after the first year in December 2013.

The fourth contingent will return to Tonga in November after they hand over duties to Capt Fonokalafi and his contingent.