Australia to further support Tonga Defense Services

By Radio Tonga News
Apr 20, 2007, 19:42

The Austraslian Defence Force will continue giving support and assistance to the Tonga Defense Services.

This was confirmed at the annual meeting between the two Defense services held in Nuku'alofa on Thursday, 19 April, 2007.

Director General of the Australian Defense Force for the South Pacific and East Timor, Commodore Kevin Taylor, says they provide support in terms of maritime surveillance cooperation like the Kurukuru operation, an exercise involving many of the Pacific nations.

Commodore Taylor says the Kurukuru program is a difficult operation but the Tonga Defense have accepted to participate again this year.

He says the Australian Defense is indeed happy with the performance of the Tonga Defense Services.

Commodore Taylor says they are also happy with the close ties between the two countries especially from a military's point of view and he hopes the close joint venture between the two Defense services continues into the future from for the benefit of both countries.