From left, Brig. General Tau'aika 'Uta'atu; Australian Defence Minister Hon. Stephen Smith; Tonga's Deputy PM, Hon. Samiu Vaipulu; New Zealand Hon. Jonathan Coleman; and PNG Defence Minister Hon. Dr Fabian Pok (at rear). Fua'amotu International Airport,  May 1, 2013.

Defence Ministers from Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea arrived today to hold the first defence and security talks with France, Chile and Tonga, while the United States and United Kingdom join as observers.

The two-day South Pacific Defence Ministers meeting, which began today May 1, is attended by the Australian Minister of Defence Hon. Stephen Smith, New Zealand Defence Minister Hon. Dr Jonathan Coleman, Papua New Guinea Defence Minister Hon Dr Fabian Pok, Chilean Undersecretary of Defence Oscar Izurieta, with the French Ambassador to Tonga HE Gilles Montagnier.

The United States is represented by Colonel Scott Sherard Defence Attaché to Tonga, with Defence Adviser Lt Col Tim Woodman of the United Kingdom.

Security

Lt Commander Taniela Tuita said the inaugural meeting will discuss aspects of defence and security issues, including maritime security, peacekeeping and disaster relief in the region. It would be an opportunity for each nation to conduct bilateral meetings where any agreement of beneficial outcome may be decided.

The meeting is also attended by Senator David Feeney the Australian Parliamentary Secretary for Defence, Australian Chief of Defence General David Hurley, NZ Chief of Defence Lt General Rhys Jones, the Commander of the French Armed Forces in New Caledonia Brigadier-General Jean Francois Parlanti and Air Vice Marshal Rolando Mercado the Director of Strategic Plans and Operations of the Chilean Joint Staff.

Tonga is represented by Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Lord Tu'ivakano and Brigadier-General Tau'aika 'Uta'atu, the Commander of the Tonga Defence Services.

King Tupou VI met the Defence Ministers and representatives at the Royal Palace this afternoon after they arrived on a Royal Australian Air Force aircraft at Fua'amotu International Airport. The French delegation arrived in their own private aircraft.

The meeting continues tomorrow at the Scenic Hotel in Fua'amotu.