An American military officer has told the Tonga armed forces that the US values its military relationship with the Kingdom.
Tonga has been conducting defence talks with a US military team this week.
Radio Tonga reports Commander Scott Sherard as saying Tonga and American soldiers can learn from each other.
He says an aid project being undertaken by Seabees in Te'ekiu shows that Tongan engineers can successfully collaborate alongside personnel from the US Navy.
Commander Sherard also says America's Pacific Air Force has a new programme called Pacific Angels, which will include Tonga.
He says it focusses on providing medical assistance, but can also provide technical assistance if needed, and is planning an exercise on Vava'u next year.
