1 May 2013

NZ and Tonga defence forces to boost co-operation

8:39 pm on 1 May 2013

The Tonga Defense Services and the New Zealand Defence Force have today signed an agreement to co-operate more.

The Tonga prime minister, Lord Tu'ivakano, says the deal will allow New Zealand soldiers, on a temporary basis, to work in Tonga with the Tonga Defense Force to improve inter-operability between the organisations.

The New Zealand defence minister, Dr Jonathan Coleman, says New Zealand's defence relationship with Tonga is a priority within the South Pacific.